" You can’t stay here," the man in the wire rimmed glasses looked annoyed, but the young girl knew better. They were walking down a long corridor. It smelled like lemon floor cleaner.

" I’m staying," she gave a bright smile that would have broken anyone else, " I like you!"

" None the less," the man sighed and halted his steps, " you can not stay here. We are going to be in a meeting and you will just be in the way."

Diana looked down at Dee then to Ryo then back at Dee. Once she saw the nod of his head and realized that he didn’t care if Ryo heard she sighed then spoke, " I am really surprised that Rose didn’t confront you...he was..." she bit her lower lip, " furious."

Dee shifted turning around so that his back was to Ryo and he was facing the Commander. He cocked his head waiting for her to continue.

Diana sighed again, louder, then cracking her knuckles proceeded to explain, " You already know about the rebels thirteen years ago and it is common knowledge that a lot of orphans were made in the process of that scuffle. The Miner’s Orphanage was a small building and they ran out of room quickly. So a lot of children were left on Earth to fend for themselves and the lucky few were taken in by family members and churches. The ones that wandered the street became reliant on the others around them for support and therefore tended to cling to and hang around government buildings and places that were known to employ the wealthy," Diana paused to lick her lips before continuing, " While Senator Rose was starting his second term a young orphan girl by the name of Carol chose him to be her care taker. Of course he didn’t want anything to do with her, but she stayed by his side for months. People got used to her presence. I met her once, before my ship was sent into battle. Anyway, Rose always looked like he couldn’t stand her yet as easy as it was for him to dismiss her and get rid of her, he never did. He endured her bubbly speech and personality and at times would be seen taking her to lunch," Diana smiled slightly at this then clearing her throat moved on, " When room opened up in Miner’s Rose took her there personally and even had bought her a gift for her room. They said their goodbyes and never spoke again.

" Suddenly what was a contained battle with the rebels turned into a full scale war when they began to bomb small cities and towns. That was when my ship was put into action and we fought along side the ‘Stetson’ a lot. Never mind that, the point is the rebels split up to carry out, what they thought would be their greatest plan to overthrow the United Earth Federation. Half took Miner’s hostage and still another half had a laser cannon and explosives aimed at Federation Headquarters. Even though the rebels were split, they were all together in the Miner’s Orphanage. They were demanding special privileges and wanting the moon colonies to be able to deflect and create their own government. Well, the Earth Federation had nothing to do with that. It was a matter which should have been taken up with the Senate, so that was never going to happen," Diana ran her hands through her hair, disturbing her bun and dislodging some of the strands. They fell into her eyes and she ignored them, " They called four ships onto the scene: the ‘Commodore’, the ‘Landau’, my ship the ‘Reinhold’, and the Lieutenant’s ship the ‘Stetson’. The stand off took over four hours while a negotiator on the ‘Landau’ tried to reason with the rebels. Meanwhile, members of the ‘Commodore’, a Security ship, were removing children out the back of the Orphanage. The ‘Reinhold’ and the ‘Stetson’ were ordered to put a lock on the Orphanage and blow the place if it came to it..." Diana sighed, " Well, the rebels found out that children were being taken off the property and they got angry. They began a count down and when they got to one they threatened to fire the laser and blow the explosives. We all thought they were bluffing. Then we got a call from HQ stating that the laser was indeed powering up and, even though the explosives had been found and dismantled, the speed and impact from the laser would still demolish the building and kill the hundreds that worked there. The order was given to destroy the Orphanage. The Federation wanted to prove they were not pushovers and that they wouldn’t give in. Every gunner on the ships hesitated...except..."

The muscles in Dee’s jaw clenched and his voice was a whisper, " Except me."

Diana nodded slowly and upon seeing Ryo’s pained expression spoke, " It was an order. A direct order from HQ. We signed the dotted line Maclean. He was doing his job."

There was a silence in the room. A thick uneasy silence that Ryo hated and prayed would pass. Ryo wasn’t questioning Dee’s choice. He was in the military too, he knew how things went during peacetime and during war. What did strike him as odd was Diana’s earlier demeanor. She had smiled and even laughed at the possible expression that could have been on Ryo’s face after hearing Dee’s story. This, however, was no laughing matter. Ryo supposed it was a nervous reaction due to the fact that her story had been thrust out into the open or she was trying to lighten the mood of Dee’s story. Either way, Ryo didn’t ask.

Dee leaned back on his hands abruptly and Ryo caught the scent of his fresh, earthy shampoo, " Yeah, well, this is all old news. Everyone knows what happened and that I am the one who did it."

Diana nodded, " I know," she directed her attentions to Ryo, " he was even seen as a hero. Protecting the Headquarters and possibly the surrounding town. Most thanked him and it even aided in gaining his next rank faster."

Ryo’s brows furrowed, " Okay...but what does any of this have to with Senator Rose?"

" It took a while before the names were released of the surviving children," Diana stood, stretching, " Rose was frantic. He was afraid for Carol and the hero worship Laytner was receiving only added to his anger. See saw, well, still sees Laytner as a man who killed innocent children, not the savior of the United Earth Federation and he vowed to ruin him. Even after he found out that Carol was safe and that an aunt of hers was taking her in, he couldn’t let it go. After moving me, partly because he hated me and partly to take the blame out on someone, he had to wait," she sat again after her stretch, "You have to remember, he was only a second year Senator. Anyway, as the years went by he gained more power in the Senate through honest good work and a little blackmailing. So when Rose requested Laytner’s transfer not to long after the papers came down for him to get the rank of Lieutenant, no one, save the Commander of the ‘Stetson’, really put up a fight. Everyone thought Rose had forgotten or in the very least forgiven..." Diana frowned, " We were wrong."

Dee was sitting with his eyes closed. He was breathing steadily his hands still stretched out behind him. He looked oddly peaceful. In reality he didn’t know what to say nor did he want to turn around and face Ryo. So he just sat there, waiting.

Ryo was looking at Dee, his eyes resting on an inch thick mass of hair that had removed itself from the rest and had worked its way upward to form a loose U. Ryo reached over and pulled at the center of the U and watched as it unfurled to lie with the others. Diana was watching the two men and she slowly stood and silently left the Bridge. There was much she needed to do anyway.

Ryo touched Dee’s right shoulder gently and Dee turned his head, frowning. His profile could been seen, he had opened his eyes, but they were merely slits, his emeralds looking at the floor.

" Will you speak with me?" Ryo’s words were a whisper, " I...understand..."

Dee’s lids opened more at that, his brows raising. He let out a sigh before answering, "What do you want to say to me?"

Ryo looked annoyed, " Turn around. I will not talk to your back."

Dee smiled slightly then nodding, he turned his body. He looked Ryo in the eye as he crossed his legs, leaning forward slightly.

Ryo smiled, " Good. Now listen, I don’t want to talk about what you did 13 years ago. That is the past and we can’t change that. All we can do is look forward to the future."

Dee cocked his head to the left and grinned, " So...you are seeing great things for us then?"

Ryo snorted, " Focus."

" I am," Dee’s smile widened, " you are the one who said that we should look forward to a wonderful, intimate future."

Ryo raised a brow, " I think you added a few more words."

Dee shook his head, " You were thinking them. I can tell. You want me."

" W-what!" A blush rose across Ryo’s cheeks and Dee thought the added color aided in his beauty, " I was not!"

Dee leaned in and purred, " You dream about me."

Ryo averted his eyes, he could no longer look into that handsome face. He tried to change the subject, " So what are you going to do now that you know the truth? You going to fight to get your position back?"

Dee was smirking now, " Nope, besides, I could never leave you behind."

In a flash Dee had pounced on Ryo and he was kissing him in earnest. Ryo made a sound of protest, but the noise was muffled by Dee’s smooth tongue. Ryo felt his body warm and he vaguely thought that they were in the open and anyone on the ship could come in and see them. Then he had the thought that he really didn’t care. Ryo groaned, he didn’t know what was happening to him. He had never thought about men in a romantic way before. Sure, he was comfortable enough in his masculinity that he could acknowledge when another man was handsome, however, he never would have thought that it meant anything more than that. Not until he met Dee Laytner. Dee was forceful in his advances and wasted no time in claiming what he wanted. Ryo thought he should be angry or horrified, instead, he found himself flattered and hopelessly aroused. He admitted at this moment that Dee stirred something inside him and he liked it. This dance was exciting and dangerous and Ryo craved more. Dee was hot and charismatic and tasted of the sweetest treat. He had an air of confidence and it was clear he knew first hand of guiltless sex and he was proud of his expertise.

The kiss seemed to last an eternity and Ryo wondered briefly what else Dee could do to him. Dee moaned before slowly removing his lips, tracing Ryo’s bottom lip with his tongue. Dee nipped the lip then drew it into his mouth and suckled it gently before releasing it and reaching up to hold Ryo’s face in his hands.

Dee sounded breathless and seductive and Ryo blushed at his words, " You are beautiful. I want to taste you always," Dee lower his head and pressed there foreheads together, " I don’t want to leave you..."

Ryo closed his eyes, his voice was a trembling whisper, " I don’t want you to go..."

" Then let us spend as much time together as possible."

" Okay," the answer was swift and Ryo didn’t regret it.

***

The Senate maintenance came the next day and they were professional. The work of repairing the ‘Glorious’ went very quickly seeing as the Senate mechanics and the ‘Glorious’ mechanics worked together. So with all the work needing to be done and all the reports and paperwork needing to be filed, Dee and Ryo couldn’t spend as much time together as they had hoped.

None the less, Dee was in Ryo’s room this evening. He had went to say his goodbyes, but Ryo wouldn’t have any of it, saying that since he was coming back after the war was over that a goodbye would be redundant. Dee was now laying on Ryo’s bed while Ryo himself was in his arm chair.

Ryo looked up from his book, his dark chocolate eyes scanning the room until they rested on Dee’s prone form, " What are you doing?"

" Watching you read. Never would have thought you would need glasses," Dee was pointing at the wire frames.

Ryo closed his book, " I can read without them, they just help me to read for longer periods. Keeps the headaches at bay."

Dee pursed his lips and nodded. Then he asked a question that was off subject, " We should go do something. What do you think?"

Ryo removed his glasses, " Were would we go?"

" I dunno," Dee sat up, " Let’s just get dressed and go see what we see."

Ryo frowned, " What if someone sees us?"

" Fuck that," Dee was already making his way to the door, " I’ll be back to get you in ten!"

Ryo opened his mouth in protest and was shocked when Dee actually stopped and looked at him expectantly. Ryo realized he really shouldn’t say no, he did after all say he wanted to spend time with Dee. He nodded then placing his book on the end table stood, he walked over to the door and opening it whispered, " See you in ten."

Dee was actually a little nervous as he walked back toward Ryo’s room. He had decided to dress nicely, wanting Ryo to see him at his best. He was wearing a black dress shirt that he knew made is emerald eyes even more bright and alluring, the shirt was untucked, hanging over his most comfortable jeans. These jeans clung to his bottom like he had jumped into a swimming pool with them on, they were even dark like they were wet too. He whistled as he walked, hands in his pockets and he was so content that he didn’t even notice Bikky until it was too late.

" Sup perv," Bikky ran to catch up to Dee and stopped once he was beside him. Even though he had to take longer strides, he still managed to keep up with the older man.

" I have a name you know Bikky," Dee scowled at the teen.

" Yeah," Bikky stuffed his own hands into his pockets, " I know."

Dee snorted then stopped walking, turning he looked down at Bikky, " Is there a reason you are following me?"

Bikky looked up and even though he was young and short didn’t mean he couldn’t glare with the best of them, " I know you are going to see Ryo."

" That’s my business."

Bikky made an expression that consisted of wrinkling his nose and eyebrows. It was an angry face, " He is a nice guy and you are, well, weird."

Dee rolled his eyes, " This conversation is pointless. Go away Bikky."

Bikky’s face became darker before he let forth a powerful kick to Dee’s shin. Dee doubled over grabbing his leg with his right hand. He let out a string of curses then looking up saw Bikky smiling triumphantly. When Dee tried to grab the boy with his left hand Bikky jumped back and laughing turned and ran down the hall, yelling behind him, " I’ll kick you in the balls next time if you hurt him!"

Dee rubbed his aching shin, but changed his mind about yelling back at Bikky. What did the boy know about adult business anyway. Dee stood and surprisingly had a smile on his face. Bikky may not fully get what was going on, but Dee was glad that the boy had made friends with Ryo. Ryo seemed like the type that would be patient and kind to children and the fact that Bikky cared about him made Dee like Ryo even more. Wincing a bit Dee made his way to Ryo’s room.

He pushed the bell and waited, stuffing his hands in his pockets again. As the door to Ryo’s room slid open Dee fisted his hands in his pockets, it took all his will power not to touch the man. Ryo was dress nicely as well, wearing a crisp white dress shirt tucked into buttery tan corduroys with a dark brown leather belt. Dee smirked and made a show of giving Ryo a once over. Ryo was smiling when Dee’s eyes finally made their way back up to his face.

" So ready to go?" Dee turned not waiting for an answer and made his way toward the back of the ship. Ryo followed checking his back pocket for his wallet.

Once out of the ship the two men walked toward the club and bar district. The night air was pleasant it was warm with just the right amount of a cool breeze. Dee hoped whom ever was manning the controls was working the entire night. It has been known that some people at shift change mess up the weather just to screw with people. Dee had been in the middle of that before and the joker thought winter winds would be funny after a day of sunshine and shorts. That person didn’t have a job anymore.

The two walked into a coffee house, Common Grounds it was called, the establishment was locally owned so it was small and homey. The lights were off with only the light from various sized and colors of candles filling the room. There was one wall in which patrons could draw pictures or write quotes and surprisingly there weren’t any offensive language or pictures. Most of the quotes were inspiring and most of the pictures were made by people with artistic skill. There was a tiny stage in the corner and from that a woman with white hair and overly large sunglasses was reciting her poetry. It was trite, slightly pompous drivel so most weren’t listening and even though it was crowded the tables and chairs were set up in a way that your conversation was confined within your party. It was a calming atmosphere.

Dee told Ryo to find a seat while he ordered their coffees. The woman behind the counter, a young student with so many colors in her hair and layers of clothing on her body that it was ridiculous just how hard she was trying to be "unique", took the order. She tried to get Dee to order something flavored and she actually pouted when he just ordered Columbian.

Back at the table Dee sat down close to Ryo, drawing his chair over to his side. Ryo didn’t protest he just reached over and took a mug from Dee’s hands.

" Which one’s mine," Ryo asked while trying to make sense out of the poets words.

" They are both the same," Dee took a sip of his and turned his attentions to the poet as well, " What the hell is she talking about?"

" I’m not sure," Ryo raised the mug and took a long sip is eyebrows furrowing in concentration. He had thought that the swan in the poem was meant to be a metaphor of a woman’s appearance. Now it seemed that it was in fact just a swan.

" How long is she up there for?" Dee asked to no one in particular.

Ryo shook his head, " She must be a friend of someone who works here, she’s awful," Ryo whispered leaning his head in slightly closer to Dee.

Dee caught a whiff of Ryo’s cologne, a rich scent that was masculine and tantalizing. Dee took a long breath, then sighing he turned slowly to look at his companion. Ryo was indeed attractive, his fine features complementing, the gentle jaw line seamlessly flowing into his long neck. The flesh of which had already been tasted. Dee knew it was Ryo’s eyes that caught his first attentions, the chocolate hue was kind and he felt like he was drowning whenever he looked into them. He longed to run his fingers through that thick honeyed blond hair. Even in the darkness of the coffee house it shone and Dee just knew it would be soft and smooth. He watched as Ryo lifted his cup and brought it to moist lips and Dee couldn’t help but follow the liquid as it traveled down his throat, watching as the muscles within delicately swallowed.

Dee turned his head back to the poet she was finally saying her goodbyes and Dee focused on her homely looks to calm his libido. She waved to the crowd then bounded off the stage, Dee heard Ryo grumble ‘thank God’ and he held in his urge to laugh, but allowed a smile.

Ryo spoke, " I wonder who will be on next."

His curiosity was quenched by a duo who walked on stage. A beautiful woman with long black hair to her knees and an equally striking man with the same dark locks only his was shorter, resting comfortably on his shoulders. They held up their instruments silently, the woman with a violin the man with a guitar, then sitting on stools began to play soft instrumentals that was pleasing to the ear.

Ryo smiled, " This is more like it. What do you think?" as he asked the question while bringing up his mug for another sip.

Dee shrugged, " I dunno," then his hand dropped onto Ryo’s thigh and he gave it a squeezed.

Ryo’s eyes could be seen widening over the rim of the cup, but he didn’t say anything. Setting the cup down slowly he looked over and glared. Dee didn’t turn his head to look instead he continued to watch the performers and gently rub Ryo’s thigh. After a while of staring at Dee and getting no response Ryo cleared his throat to get his attention. Ryo watched a smooth smile spread over Dee’s face then Ryo nearly jumped out of his seat when Dee’s hand suddenly slid higher, just inches from his groin.

Ryo was telling himself that the action was inappropriate and wrong, however, his body was reacting on its own accord. His heart was racing and his body heat rose. No matter how many times he tried to steer his mind away from acknowledging the sensations traveling throughout his body, his thoughts always went back to remembering a kiss shared with Dee. Those memories and the caresses currently being performed seemed to electrify his skin. Ryo bit his lip to keep from moaning and he cursed his traitorous body for enjoy that simple action so much. Dee’s fingertips were ghosting over Ryo’s leg, his pinky slowly sliding up and down Ryo’s heat, the only real pressure being applied. He pressed harder, feeling the heat grow and jump through that tiny finger and pulling out a gasp from Ryo.

Ryo leaned over and hissed, " Stop, before someone sees."

Dee smiled wider then shifting his weight faced Ryo. Now most of hand was covering Ryo, he was practically cupping his groin, " What if I don’t? You gonna yell rape?"

Ryo frowned angrily, " I just might."

Dee chuckled then suddenly he was cupping Ryo and he squeezed firmly before releasing. Ryo let out a small sound of surprise and Dee turned away with a smile, " You shouldn’t be so damn sexy."

Dee leaned back in his chair only to quickly come forward again when he heard a whine then a break. He looked back and saw the chair back separating from the seat. Dee groaned. First a kick to the shin now a broken chair. Dee turned his attentions back to Ryo, smiling a bit when he saw the flush of his cheeks. Dee looked at him through unruly dark bangs as he asked, " Do you believe in bad omens?"

" No."

Dee nodded his head, " Hn," then the back of the chair snapped.

***

" Sorry this night didn’t go as planned," Dee had his head on Ryo’s shoulder. They were back on ‘Glorious’ in Ryo’s room sitting on his full sized bed, " I really wanted you to have a good time."

Ryo smiled, " I did."

" Liar."

Ryo let out a smooth chuckle, " No really I did. It was a pleasant evening."

" God Ryo," Dee fell back onto the bed, " I’m leaving tomorrow."

Ryo looked down at his lap, but didn’t say anything. He was trying all night not to think about it. He was almost sick to his stomach over it. Ryo was also trying not to think about why he would miss Dee so much. Sure he liked the man and he enjoyed his company, but he was scared to admit there was something more...something he couldn’t quite put his finger on...

" I love you," Dee’s voice was a whisper, but Ryo heard the words clearly.

" You barely know me," Ryo chuckled nervously even though his heart was racing. Was this the something he was trying to pinpoint? Ryo sighed heavily, but it didn’t calm him, " We haven’t even known each other for a month yet."

" So," Dee sat up quickly and taking Ryo’s face between his warm hands spoke, " I don’t lie."

Ryo’s eyes were wide and he was trembling, a slight reaction that gave away his emotion better than any words could, " Please, don’t...this isn’t right."

Dee frowned, " Why? It seemed alright when we were in the middle of kissing. What was that about," suddenly he was angry, " you just stringing me along?"

Ryo jerked back removing his face from Dee’s increasingly tightening grasp, " No! Dee, don’t read so much into this! It’s not right because you are my Superior!"

" Bah!" Dee turned his head away as he made the sound, " If that was a priority then I wouldn’t have bothered."

Ryo sighed, his voice softening, " Maybe it should be your priority, Dee. You could get in a lot of trouble."

" I know, I know," Dee looked back at Ryo and smiling said, " Even more reason for you to take me seriously."

Ryo sucked in a breath, his heartbeat quickening again, " Tell you what," it was a struggle to sound at ease, " take your time off, go to the ‘Stetson’ and fight in the war. Then when you come back see if you feel the same way."

Dee leaned forward and gave Ryo a gentle peck, " Is that what you really want?"

Ryo nodded, whispering, " Yes. Just hold off for a few. Okay?"

Dee was nodding, but Ryo didn’t see it, he was more than aware that the distance between them was shrinking and he closed his eyes to it. Ryo’s thoughts were all over the place. Why was Dee saying such things? Why was he pleased to hear them? Why was his body betraying him?

Ryo opened his eyes to see that he was being stared at. Dee had backed up some and now his luminous verdant eyes were taking in Ryo’s features. Ryo could feel the heat in the room and he knew that the tension that started in the coffee house was going to be reignited here. He was helpless, a feeling he realized only Dee brought out in him, and he found himself leaning forward. Ryo, kissed Dee sweetly, it was a light touching of lips and Dee was actually rendered still by the open display of Ryo’s emotions.

Ryo spoke so softly that Dee had to lean in to hear them, " I don’t want you to go..."

Dee touched Ryo’s chin, " Look at me."

Ryo obeyed.

" I will be back. I promise."

Ryo shook his head, " You can’t promise something like that."

Suddenly, Dee’s mood changed, " You know," his voice was light and at normal volume, " you’re right!" then he was on Ryo, wrapping his arms around him as they tumbled back onto the bed.

" What the-" Ryo’s words were cut off by a hungry kiss and a demanding tongue. Ryo squirmed and pushed back and finally Dee pulled away panting and grinning like the Cheshire cat.

Dee licked his lips as he manipulated Ryo’s body so he was fully under him and he was straddled on top, " You look so good tonight."

Ryo reached up to try and push Dee back, but his hands were caught and placed over his head. Dee’s lips were hovering over his ear lobe and Ryo shivered every time his breath rolled over the sensitive flesh. Dee nuzzled the long column of Ryo’s neck and when he reached the juncture where his shoulder and neck met he bit down roughly, feeling Ryo’s wince. Dee slid his tongue over the abused flesh, warming the area. Ryo sighed, giving up the fight and closing his eyes.

Dee’s lips were back on Ryo’s ears and a demand was put forth as he released his hands, " Leave them," he didn’t wait for an answer before his lips took hold of Ryo’s.

This kiss was softer than the previous, but still full of hot passion. Dee was clearly experienced and this left a pleasing tingle throughout Ryo’s body. He moaned and the sound vibrated through to Dee’s soul and it stroked the flames of desire, building the heat to the point where kissing wasn’t enough. Dee’s hands began to roam, running along Ryo’s sides until he reached the waistband of his pants. Dee took his time unfastening the leather belt just enough to slide the shirt up and out .

Dee broke the kiss and smiled down at Ryo, pleased to see the other man panting and flushed. Dee’s hands ran through Ryo’s hair then slid down the side of his face and neck, lingering on the collar bone. Then his fingers went to work unbuttoning, opening the shirt as he went along. Dee looked down at Ryo in awe, he had never seen anyone so perfect. Ryo seemed thin and weak, but it was all a deception looking at him now. A long torso with strong pectorals and hard abs, taunt muscle lay under his smooth heated skin, such softness in blatant contrast to his power.

Dee ran his hands along the flesh, pressing down to test the strength underneath. Then lowering himself he tasted. Dee’s lips kissed at the shoulder then lower to Ryo’s chest, he flicked his tongue out, running a path to his nipple. Dee smiled before giving the sensitive bud a lick. Ryo gasped his back arching slightly off the bed and closed his eyes tightly, drowning in the sensational pleasure he was receiving from Dee’s lips and hands. He felt almost weightless, lightheaded, and the only thing that ground him to reality was the heaviness of Dee’s body atop his own. Soon that weight was shifting lowering it’s self between his legs.

Dee paused, waiting, and Ryo opened his eyes taking in a deep breath, thinking, considering then finally, deciding. Ryo let out his breath slowly then closed his eyes, knowing without a doubt that Dee would understand his silence for what it was, permission. Dee waited a while longer, holding his desire at bay with the entire force of his being, then finally his hands moved.

Ryo was trembling, but it was a pleasant sort of reaction. It was as if his body was tightly wound in anticipation, letting out the building pressure bit by bit through this gentle quivering. He never thought pleasure could be this powerful, he had been with others in the past, but nothing felt like this. Sure his encounters has been fun and the intimacy was good, but nothing, ever, felt this right. It was as if Dee were a missing part to some internal puzzle of his soul and all the other instances with others only occurred to show him what he truly needed. Ryo hadn’t realized he wasn’t complete until this moment.

Dee was moving slowly, working the corduroys down Ryo’s trim thighs, stopping once to kiss each before continuing. Down they went, the soft fabric sending jolts of heat through Ryo’s body as it caressed along sensitive skin. Ryo jerked suddenly, impatiently kicking off the pants and Dee chuckled as he watched them hit the floor.

Dee shifted forward, hovering over Ryo with a gentle smile. Leaning down he kissed Ryo softly, running his tongue along the crease until Ryo parted his lips for him. Dee entered the moist mouth little by little, taking the time to smooth around the edge of his lip, run along the hard teeth. Then finally their tongues met and both men let out a moan. Dee dominated the kiss, stroking his warm tongue around Ryo’s, nipping at it playfully only to draw it between his lips to suck.

As the kiss continued Dee maneuvered his legs pushing them in between Ryo’s. Then slowly Dee slid Ryo’s legs apart until he was resting his lower half between him on the bed. This action alined the length of their arousals and as Dee settled farther, his weight increasing, the pleasure rose. Ryo broke the kiss then looking up at Dee with pleading eyes. Dee only smiled then rocked his hips, pressing harder into the blond. Ryo arched his back and groaned, the vision of that reaction along with the sound drove Dee to action.

Ryo didn’t know when Dee had moved all he knew was that the man was where he needed to be. Ryo lifted his hips, not caring how wanton it seemed. Dee placed a palm over the hard flesh still encased in cotton and pushed Ryo’s hips back down. Looking up the length of Ryo’s body Dee spoke with laughter in his voice, " Try not to pull my hair ‘kay."

Ryo pushed himself up on his elbows and glared, only to be brought back down onto his back by Dee’s actions. Dee was slowly mouthing him, taking all that he could and ignoring the taste and feel of the fabric in his mouth. Ryo’s eyes rolled back as he closed his eyes and he brought his hand up, covering his face with his forearm. His mind concentrated on the sensations, the hot jolts of electricity that ran through him. Dee released him only to quickly draw the fabric away.

Ryo bit is arm to stop himself from crying out as Dee took his entire length whole within his mouth. He shut his eyes tighter and forced himself not to pump into that hot, wet cavern. Dee held on to Ryo’s hips, as he worked the sensitive flesh, running his tongue along the underside while his throat swallowed and sucked. Dee moaned as he serviced Ryo’s heat using his hands only to keep it steady in his mouth.

Ryo was detached from the world. All that mattered was that warmth, that precious warmth that was invading his body, seeping into his muscles and bone. Nothing could be heard or seen or felt if it had nothing to do with his body and things Dee was doing to it. Ryo felt a heaviness in his belly, a building pressure that wanted to uncoil. The pressure continued to rise until Ryo didn’t think he could contain it any longer. He vaguely remembered trying to offer a warning before the start of his fall. It was a steady crescendo, he felt the heaviness began to lessen, spreading from the source in his stomach to envelop him in growing pleasure. It was like a blanket was being pulled over his body. An item meant to comfort, instead it was overwhelming the heat the blanket offered was becoming too great and it had to be freed. Just as it felt as though Ryo would be pulled under the blanket was ripped away and the pleasure was released in a violent wave that made is entire body arch and go taunt with the power of it. His vision went white and his mind went blank and he rode the wave for as long as he was allowed, before his body went limp and he fell back to earth, lethargic and content.

Ryo was aware of Dee moving him rolling him onto his side and spooning him from behind. Ryo tried to apologize for his tiredness, but Dee shushed him running his fingers through his dusty blond hair.

Ryo’s voice was soft as he spoke, " What about you?"

Dee smiled against Ryo’s neck, " What about me?"

" You know..." Ryo willed himself to stay awake, " do you want me to..."

Dee laughed, " No. I am more than happy right now."

Ryo’s brows knotted, " How?"

" Because I’ve claimed you."

Ryo frowned, " I don’t," a loud, popping yawn, " understand."

Dee smiled, " You have to wait for me to return now. You belong to me."

Ryo chuckled through his sleepy haze, " I would have anyway," another yawn and he was asleep. Dee waited a few moments making sure Ryo was really out of it before he slid off the bed and headed to his room. He still had last minute packing to do before he left for the ‘Stetson’. Before he left the one he loved.

***

Dee wasn’t surprised, but he smiled big and laughed when everyone jumped out of various hiding places on the Bridge. Dee figured they had planned something for his going away, none the less it was still a cute sight seeing his Commander jump out from behind the captain’s chair. His eyes sought out Ryo and he was pleased to see the blond smiling at him.

Dee walked to the center of the room and smiling said, " Thanks guys this is really great!"

J.J. came bounding over and pouncing on the Lieutenant gave him a huge bear hug and laughing asked, " Did we surprise you! Huh? We did didn’t we!"

Dee struggled to dislodge the smaller man, but J.J. was a lot stronger than he looked, "Yeah, you got me good."

" Liar," Diana walked up and punched him in the shoulder playfully, " You knew we wouldn’t let you go without something!"

Dee laughed, " So...where’s the food?"

The food was in the break room, a honey glazed ham in the center of the table along with a smoked turkey breast. There was stuffing, green beans, and various other sides. There were three desserts: a pecan pie, an apple pie, and a large butter cream sheet cake in white and pale green with the dates of Dee’s service on the ‘Glorious’ on it. It was quite a lovely spread. Ryo and J.J. had cooked most of it while Diana and Bikky decorated the room. There were Farewell signs and Good Luck banners, balloons and streamers. There was confetti on the floor and on the table.

Dee was overcome with emotion as he stepped into the room, he smiled meekly then spoke, " I’m not leaving for good you guys."

Everyone laughed and Bikky walked over to stand beside Dee, " We know. We just wanted to make it special for you. You know," Bikky looked down suddenly shy, " so you’ll remember us."

Dee smiled down at the teen, " Like I could ever forget your bratty ass!"

Bikky looked up scowling about to open his mouth to say something in retort, but was cut off by J.J., " I cooked most of it! Well, the potato salad was store bought and so was the pecan and apple pies, but everything else I cooked! I mean, Maclean helped a little, he cooked the ham and the turkey, but yeah I did everything else!"

Dee’s eyebrows rose, " Soooo...you heated up the green beans, basically?"

Bikky let out a riotous laugh at that, resulting in a glare from J.J. It didn’t stop him though and he laughed until his eyes watered, " Dude, you just got slammed!" J.J. pouted and turned his back to the teen, his arms crossed at his chest.

Two sharp clasps and Diana was standing at the foot of the table, " Come on guys let’s eat," her voice became somewhat sullen, " We don’t have much time..."

The room grew silent then, every person thinking about the days ahead and having to spend them without their Lieutenant. Bikky was the one to break the silence, " Alright! I’m first!"

" Bikky, no!" Ryo admonished the boy, " Let the guest of honor go first."

Bikky grumbled something under his breath and handed his plate over to Dee who grinned playfully and ruffled the boy’s hair. Bikky jerked back and stood beside Ryo.

The going away party had a light feel and it seemed like everyone was forgetting the reason why they were having it in the first place. There was laughter and joking and even a little bonding between Bikky and Dee. Not much, just enough to let Dee know that the teen didn’t hate him. All too soon, though, it was time for goodbyes.

" The ‘Stetson’ will be here in about an hour," Diana’s voice was chipper as she clasped her hands together, " so I think we better give you your gift now!"

Dee watched as the Commander left the room only to return a few minutes later holding what appeared to be a large sweater box. The box was a shiny tan with a huge navy organza bow on top.

" This is from the entire crew!" Diana beamed as she handed over the box. Dee sat the soda down he was drinking looking at the gift with awe. He took it gingerly and placing it on the edge of the table opened it carefully. The first thing to be seen was an eight by ten of the crew. Even though the ‘Glorious’ had hundreds working on her the picture was just of the Bridge crew, Drake, J.J., Ryo, Cassidy who worked at the Informations station, Lars who worked at the Communications station, Diana, and even Bikky.

Dee smiled at the picture before setting it aside and pulling out another item from the box. This was wrapped in layers of navy tissue paper and it took both hands to pull it from the box. Dee sat it down and started to unwrap it. J.J. was looking over Bikky’s shoulder smiling while Diana leaned on the doorframe expectantly. Finally the tissue was off an Dee looked down at a long sleeve shirt with a maroon center and black arms.

Dee smiled slightly, not fully understanding why the crew gave him clothes, " Uh, thanks you guys...this is really..." he held the shirt up by the shoulders, " sweet?"

Diana laughed softly, but Ryo was the one to explain, " It is the top to the new uniforms Lieutenant."

" I have the rest of it in my quarters," Diana spoke pushing herself off of the doorframe, "The crew of all the ships that are going into battle first received them already. I had them send yours here so you can step onto the ‘Stetson’ already looking like one of the crew," she smiled at him.

Dee’s face lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning, " Wow, that is so...thanks!"

" Come on, let’s go to my room and we will get the rest of the uniform," Diana and Dee turned to leave the break room, " You have less than an hour to get ready."

The entire Bridge crew was standing outside ‘Glorious’ mingling with one another and Cassidy had the courage to walk up to the Lieutenant of the ‘Stetson’. Now she and Lieutenant were engaged in conversation. Commander Spacey was speaking with Commander Reynolds, laughing at a few of their memories. Finally Dee stepped off of ‘Glorious’ wearing the new dress uniform. He looked regal as the cape fluttered behind him in the breeze and the dark colors made his green eyes shine more brightly. Ryo felt proud and he thought Dee looked incredibly handsome. Dee had a small grin on his face when Diana placed her hand on his right shoulder and squeezed.

" We will miss you Lieutenant..." her voice trailed off and she looked away.

Dee smiled at the crew, " I will be back guys, don’t look so glum!" he let out a laugh that lifted the sprits some.

Leslie Reynolds walked up to stand beside Dee, his gray eyes twinkling, " Welcome back Lieutenant Laytner," Dee smiled at the older man and shook his hand, " I will let you say your good byes," The Commander and the Second in Command of the ‘Stetson’ turned gracefully and returned to their ship.

Dee made his rounds, hugging, shaking hands and smiling at his comrades. Diana was last, giving him a long strong hug and a peck on the cheek, " You be careful now, ya hear."

Then Diana clapped twice then addressed her crew, " Alright everyone back inside. We’ve held up Lieutenant Laytner enough," she waited until most of the crew was inside before calling to Ryo, " Ensign Maclean, I need you to check the engine output and give me a report on the energy levels."

Ryo nodded, " Will do Ma’am."

As Ryo made his way to the bow of the vessel Diana looked over at Dee and nudged her head, indicating that she gave Ryo the task so they could speak alone. Dee smile his thanks then made his way over to Ryo’s side.

" Don’t bother, it is a bullshit order," Dee had stuffed his hands into the pockets of his crisp uniform.

Ryo looked up annoyed, " The day I make the assumption that an order is other than true is the day I lose my rank."

Dee chuckled, " Well then can you do that after we talk?"

Ryo turned fully to face Dee, " Okay, sure."

" I mean," Dee rubbed the back of his neck, " we didn’t get a chance to talk after last night..."

" Yeah," Ryo looked down, a slight blush coloring his cheeks, " With the party and you having to get ready..."

Dee smiled then reaching over he took Ryo’s face in his hands and waited until blond was looking at him, " I hope you don’t regret it."

" I don’t," Ryo smiled back, an open expression of trust that took Dee’s breath away.

" Good," Dee leaned forward until their foreheads were touching, " I am gonna miss you, but I will call in every week to tell you how I am."

Ryo nodded with a roll of the eyes, " Sure that will work for about the first month or so!"

" Nuh uh," Dee released Ryo then held up is right hand Boy Scouts honor style, " I promise!"

Ryo laughed, " You need to go," he placed his palms on Dee’s chest and pushed him back.

Dee grabbed Ryo’s wrist and jerked him forward. He stopped just a few inches from Dee’s lips. They looked at each other silently for a moment before both men leaned in simultaneously and kissed one another.

Finally parting Ryo whispered, " Go, before the crew worries..."

" I’ll be back," Dee released Ryo and smiled before turning away, walking toward the ‘Stetson’. Ryo sighed then looking away, bent to complete his task.

Diana was in her office trying her hardest to remain professional, but the Admiral on her vid phone was testing her patience.

" I said no already Commander Spacey," The much older woman in navy and gold spoke, " I understand your position, but we can’t afford another mistake. It is unacceptable that no one, prior to Ensign Maclean, on your ship knew how to land her. Furthermore, it is a disgrace that you as Commander did not know the abilities of your crew members."

Diana took a deep breath, " I understand–" she was cut off.

" Do you!" the Admiral’s face grew stern and her eyes narrowed slightly, " Just be glad you are allowed to stay on your ship. Be glad we didn’t demote you."

Diana nodded and knowing she had lost the battle tried to regain some of her dignity, " I truly understand. You have my sincerest apology for my confrontation."

The Admiral waved her hand, " Accepted. You are a good Commander, but you have to understand that to ignore this would be dangerous. That is why I am taking this opportunity, while Lieutenant Laytner is away, to bring in another member. Someone to help you weed out the...weak links," the older woman smiled, " Don’t bother about disputing this. The new crew member will be at your ship in the morning. You have this time to prepare your crew on the changes."

The connection was broken before Diana Spacey had a chance to respond.

" Dammit!" Diana was out of her seat and at her personal bar and it was only after two quick glasses of Scotch did she call all hands to the briefing hall.

The crew stood anxiously on the Bridge waiting for the new crew member to board. Soon the doors slid open and a tall man stepped onto the ramp and made his way down to stand next to the Navigations helm.

Everyone had some sort of expression on their face. Shock, disappointment, disbelief, and a little fear. Diana’s expression was the easiest to read, her anger radiated from beneath her eyes and manifested in the tightening of her jaw.

She spoke through clenched teeth, " Is this some kind of sick joke?"

Berkley Rose chuckled, " Not in any way, shape, or form."

J.J. was in shock and his lips parted and hung until he found the courage to speak, "...But you are a Senator."

" True, however, they know that I will be objective about my task here," Rose still had a small smile tugging at his lips, " I will be fair and neutral in my decisions."

" Bull shit!" Drake spat out the words, but Rose chose to ignore them.

Diana was shaking her head almost violently now, " No, I will not have you working for me!"

" Good, because I won’t be working for you," Berkley’s features darkened somewhat and some of the crew stepped back in reaction to it, " You mustn’t forget that I was on a ship long before I ever became Senator," a smirk and a glint in his eye, " The rank of my departure was returned to me the moment I took this assignment. You in fact, Commander Spacey, will be working for me."

Berkley turned his attentions to the crew, " From now on I am in charge of this ship and you will address me as Captain Rose. Questions and orders will be answered with a ‘Yes Sir’ or ‘No Sir’. Any complaints about working with me can be taken up with the Federation, although I doubt they will listen, let alone care," at this he let out a laugh that made the others cringe.

" This is unbelievable..." Drake was whispering under his breath. Diana had taken his hand and was squeezing it, swaying a bit beside him.

" Oh, yes, and before I forget, " Rose turned fully and walking up to Ryo stood just inches in front of him, " You Ensign Maclean, will meet me in my office in five minutes. And yes, it is the same as the Commander’s old one. I am taking that as my office," he turned his head and looked at Diana, " You need to come in there and remove your junk as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in all of it being trashed."

Diana was seething, however, for the sake of crew she spoke, " Yes Sir," then turning she made her way off the Bridge and toward her old office, ignoring the triumphant laugher of Berkley Rose.

***

Rose didn’t give Diana the time needed to get her things from the office before he was pushing her out and pulling Ryo in. He assured her that she could come back then slammed the door in her face when she opened her mouth to speak.

Ryo looked back at the door, stunned as Rose made his way to the desk and sitting waited until Ryo turned to look at him.

Captain Rose smiled as Ryo finally looked at him, " I read your record and I am impressed with the way you handled the landing of this ship."

" Thank you Sir," Ryo was standing at attention.

Rose was toying with a pen, twirling it in a circle on the desk, " In fact, I am impressed with everything in your record. If you would like I could have you transferred to a larger ship. Somewhere your skills can be put to use," Rose stood abruptly then, " What do you say to that?"

" I thank you Sir, however, I would like to keep my current position on ‘Glorious’," Ryo looked closely at Rose and was slightly unnerved by the dark look in the older man’s eyes.

" That’s a shame..." Rose slowly made his way across the room, secretly pleased that Ryo had nowhere to run, " your abilities will surly go to waste on a cargo ship," he was now a foot from Ryo and was put off that Ryo didn’t look intimidated or frightened. Instead he looked more defiant and almost angry.

" I think that my time on this ship will add more experience and knowledge to my records as opposed to weakening it," Ryo spoke confidently.

Rose nodded, " I understand, however, you will lose the sharpness needed for other skills if they are not put to use."

Ryo frowned, " That is not a concern of mine Sir. I am quite capable of retaining my knowledge. My skills will not be altered."

Berkely Rose smiled smoothly and it sent a chill down Ryo’s spine, Rose took a long stride forward closing the gap between himself and Ryo and when Ryo tried to step away his back pressed against the door. Rose smiled wider then leaning down whispered, " I hope the incident at the coffee house didn’t make things, well, for lack of a better word, odd between us."

Ryo had to search his brain for the memory and when it came to him he frowned. Rose was referring to their meeting at Starbucks, in which the Senator was quite forward in his advances.

" No Sir," Ryo’s hands were balling into fist, " I was not offended."

" That is so wonderful to hear," Rose’s eyes scanned to look upon Ryo’s lips, " I hoped as much. You seem like a nice enough person, so I would have been upset if we couldn’t be..." Rose looked back into Ryo’s eyes and a sly twinkle was flashing through them behind the lens of his bifocals, "...friends."

Rose smiled again and it was laced with something awful, but before Ryo could place it Rose’s lips were on his, kissing with a roughness he had never felt before. Ryo’s eyes were full of anger as he looked at the man kissing him as his hands went up to try and push him away. Suddenly, Berkely pressed forward, crushing Ryo’s body with his weight and this action sent Ryo’s adrenaline into overdrive. Ryo used all his strength to shove Rose off, pushing with his forearm and widening his stance for better leverage. The action pushed Rose to the right instead of straight back and it was harsh and violent. Rose was tossed aside with such force that he hit the side wall.

The spherical Oc’tull swayed.

Ryo was glaring, staring at the shocked Captain through blond bangs and heated eyes, "Don’t you ever touch me again!" Ryo took his forearm and wiped at his mouth and was pleased to see Rose narrow his eyes at the action.

Before Rose could respond Ryo had pressed the buttons and the door opened and he was out, rushing from the office with such haste he was close to jogging.

Ryo was so angry that tears were sitting on the rim of his eyes. Never before could he remember experiencing such rage. He tried to calm himself, tried to think of Dee and the kisses he would give to him. However, the sweet memories were tarnished as his mind kept returning to the sloppy, unwanted kiss Rose had given him. Ryo scowled, he refused to call it a kiss, it was an invasion, forced upon him with absolutely no care as to how he felt about it. Ryo felt dirty and used and still so very angry. So deep in his thoughts was he that he hadn’t noticed J.J. walking silently beside him. Nor did he know J.J. had been there for quite some time.

J.J. contemplated speaking, knowing that Ryo’s thoughts were elsewhere he really wasn’t sure he should interfere. However, he had never seen someone so pissed and he was worried, no matter how much he disliked the man it wasn’t because he thought he was a bad guy.

J.J. decided to speak and he wasn’t surprised to see Ryo start a bit, " Wanna talk about it?"

Ryo looked over at the slightly shorter man with wide eyes and raised eyebrows, he looked annoyed that the man had interrupted his thoughts and the harshness of his voice made that all the more evident, " What’s there to talk about?"

J.J. sighed, " I figure Rose said something to get to you. Wanna talk about it?"

" No," the word was spat out bitterly. Then Ryo stopped walking and closing his eyes took a deep breath, calming his body. When he spoke this time it was softer, kinder, " Sorry J.J. Thanks for the concern, but I can handle it."

J.J. nodded, pursing his lips, " I don’t like you all that much, but I do care for Dee deeply," he tipped his nose up as if he thought Ryo would argue with him. Once seeing that Ryo was quietly looking down at him with no intention of answering, J.J. went on, " If something or someone hurt you it would in turn hurt Dee," J.J. turned away and began to walk farther down the corridor, his posture told Ryo he was ending the conversation.

Ryo resumed his walking, but wasn’t far when he finally heard J.J. add, " Say the word and Drake and I got your back."

Ryo stopped abruptly then and looked back, surprised and touched. J.J. soon stopped to and he looked over his shoulder, slowly nodding before he continued on his way.

***

" There is much to talk about Lieutenant," Commander Reynolds was walking briskly toward his office followed closely by Dee and his Second in Command Sheila Mactagert. They rounded a corner and they looked like heroes in an epic flick with their capes flowing majestically and the hard soles of their shoes clicking smartly on the floor. As the doors to the office slid open Leslie Reynolds’ majesty seemed to grow and enfold the others, he was stronger here and more himself, in this room he was more approachable and the decor helped the feeling of hospitality.

The entire office was decorated with pictures of the Commander holding up his latest catch, a big mouth bass, a channel cat. His retired lures where hanging from a mat on the wall and his fishing poles where behind his desk high on the wall. The whole office had been painted hunter green and instead of looking dark as one may suspect it was actually calming.

Leslie didn’t bother sitting, instead he half leaned half sat on the edge of his dark wood desk. Crossing his arms at the wrist he sighed then looking at Dee spoke, " The Federation has finally unlocked the secrets of the G’nar’s motivation for attacking us."

Dee shifted ignoring the admiring look he was receiving from Mactagert, " Will it aid us in the fight?"

" Not really sure yet," Leslie pursed his lips together grimly, " Apparently the G’nar government wasn’t happy that the Gorren Nation sold it’s rights of it’s import borders to the Federation. After the attack on your ship the Gorren government called for a compromise and offered the G’nar exactly half of the ports and docking stations for imports and exports while the other half stayed with the Federation." Leslie stood and walking around the desk sat in his leather chair, " The Federation was on board with the arrangement, but the G’nar would hear nothing of it, saying that it was all or nothing," The Commander sighed heavily, " Here’s the thing though, the Federation refuses to give up the land and port rights so the war remains unless they reconsider. Because the G’nar will not back down."

Dee ran his fingers through his hair and spoke, " Well, this sucks. So, how’s your wife?"

Leslie raised his brows brifely, then remembering the personality of his crew mate smiled then answered, " Worried about me, but otherwise Melanie is fine," He stood and gripping the desk with his hands stated in a tone that was slightly sorrowful, " Obviously, you cannot retain your status as a Second in Command-"

Dee was quick to interrupt, " I figured as much before I came aboard. As long as I can have my position back as a gunner I will be fine!" he showed off a bright smile and Lieutenant Mactagert’s body reacted to it’s beauty. She looked away quickly and caught a glimpse of her Commander staring at her with an arched brow.

Leslie made his way to the door and quickly threw a question over his shoulder, " Dee, you still prefer men?"

Dee didn’t hesitate, " Yep."

Commander Reynolds turned abruptly then, " Don’t hit on any member of my crew then," his eyes glanced at Mactagert and he saw her disappointment and thanks. If Leslie hadn’t allowed her to hear that bit of information she no doubt would have made a fool of herself pursuing Dee.

" Speaking of which...I need to settle into my room and make a phone call," Dee walked behind his Commander and friend to his quarters.

***

Ryo had just came out of the shower when he heard the beep from his vid-phone signaling that he had a call coming through. He sat at his desk and frowned at the screen, it indicated that he had five missed calls. Ryo yawned then touched the screen.

" Damn it’s about time!" Dee’s smiling face flickered on screen.

Ryo smiled gently, " You only left this afternoon! Why are you calling so soon?"

Dee made a comical face, " What? You don’t wanna talk to me? You break my heart!"

Ryo laughed, " Of course I want to talk with you! Don’t be silly. Just thought maybe you needed time to settle in and go to briefings and what not."

" Did most of that already, still have two or three refresher courses to go though," Dee snorted, " Forget that! How are things with you?"

" Okay. All is well here," Ryo chuckled, " although J.J. is obviously missing you."

Dee shrugged and waved his hand in a dismissive fashion, " Whatever. Anyway, I asked how things are with you and you lied."

Ryo’s brows creased together, " What!"

" I can tell you are holding something back," Dee waved his finger at the screen like it was a small chid, " We can’t have a healthy relationship if you won’t be up-front with me."

Ryo’s mouth gaped open, " I didn’t! I mean I’m not hold-"

" Ryo..." Dee looked hurt.

Ryo realized that he didn’t like that expression. However, he really didn’t want Dee to know about his encounter with Rose. The two men already couldn’t stand each other and Ryo knew that giving this information to Dee would make things worse. He sighed and hung his head. Maybe he wasn’t giving Dee enough credit, he was a Lieutenant after all. Regardless of what Rose said it takes skill and knowledge to make that rank not just time. Dee was strong and capable of handling a myriad of situations, so this shouldn’t be all that difficult for him to handle. Right?

" Ryo?" Dee was looking at him with pleading eyes.

" Well, there really isn’t a tactful way of saying this...but," Ryo took a deep breath, "Captain Rose kissed me today."

" WHAT!" Dee had risen from his seat and all that could be seen on screen was the string on the front of his pajama pants. His voice was loud and Ryo had the thought that he was probably disturbing others nearby, " I’m going to kill him! No that is much too simple!" his palms slammed down on the table with such force that the noise it produced made the speakers squeal, " No I am going to wring his little neck! Yes, twist it until-" suddenly Dee was silent and his form bent until he was eye level with Ryo. His voice was soft and even as he spoke, looking at Ryo with darkened eyes, " Captain?"

Ryo flinched. That bit of information he did want to keep from Dee, he hadn’t realized he let that slip until now, " Well..." Ryo decided it was pointless to lie, " yes. He’s on the ship. He’s commanding it now," Ryo dropped his head waiting for the explosion.

However, Dee was calm in his response, " What about Diana? Why is he there?"

Ryo sighed then proceeded to explain the whole situation to Dee. When he was done Dee was shaking in his anger, " That low life mother-"

" No Dee it’s okay," Ryo was smiling nervously, " I can take care of myself you know!"

Dee’s head snapped up, " So you pushed him away."

" Of course!" Ryo looked offended.

" Why?" Dee asked sitting back down in his chair.

Ryo was annoyed, " Because I don’t like him!"

Dee nodded, " Oh...that’s all?"

Ryo opened his mouth to answer then noticed the look on Dee’s face. Ryo smiled, even though Dee was trying hard to hide his feelings they were still shining through. Ryo found the look endearing and sweet. Dee wanted to be the reason he pushed Rose away and as Ryo ran the thought through his mind he realized he was.

" Also," Ryo spoke with a twinkle in his eye, " it wasn’t as nice as yours."

Dee’s features lit up, " Really?"

Ryo’s voice lowered to a level that sent a pleasant chill through Dee, " Really."

" That’s nice to hear," Dee was smiling and Ryo felt pain at not being able to touch his face.

" It made me realize," Ryo dropped his head as a blush rose on his cheeks, " how much I am going to miss you."

Dee sighed, " Yeah, this sucks and it has only been one day."

Ryo nodded, " Yeah..."

Suddenly Dee was smiling seductively, " Was it gross?"

" Gross?" Ryo laughed, " Such a high school word! But yes it was gross."

" And mine are..." Dee tilted his head to the side, " what?"

" Nice, yours are nice," Ryo was looking more and more handsome as his blush deepened, " Yours make me feel...nice."

Dee chuckled, " You sure do like that word...nice."

Ryo shrugged, " It’s a good word. It works."

" Yeah, I guess..." Dee yawned, " Shit I hate to do this, but I gotta go, I have a early day tomorrow."

" That’s alright," Ryo smiled, but was saddened that their conversation had to end.

" Okay well I will talk to you as soon as I can," Dee smiled, " Love you."

" You too."

It was the surprised looked on Dee’s face that triggered the stunned look on Ryo’s. He hadn’t realized what he said until he saw the expression on his lover’s face. Ryo blanched, his lover? But really was there another word he could use to describe the man? Boyfriend sounded ridiculous. Ryo shut his eyes ignoring Dee’s questions on the other end. Was he really ready to go to that level? To start referring to Dee as his partner? Ryo frowned, well he had let Dee...

" Oh God!" Ryo whispered the words as he locked eyes with Dee again. Dee was silent waiting to see what Ryo would do next, " I...um, I..."

Dee smiled then shook his head, " Don’t give yourself an aneurysm. Think about it. Night love," then he disconnected.

Ryo was still sitting at his seat, confused when the emergency lights blinked and everyone was called to the Bridge.

***

Given that Captain Rose was on the ship everyone had the forethought to change into their uniforms before boarding the Bridge. Everyone took their seats, Adams and Parker on Navagation. Cassidy at Communications and Lars on Information. Maclean stood at Spacey’s side while Rose paced the floor.

" What is the problem?" Rose’s voice held a level of command that made Ryo wish the Captain was a better man.

Lars, who was from Nevada and held no accent, spoke, " It is a fire in the Storage Deck and it is slowly making it’s way to the Quarters Area."

" What!" Ryo looked over at Lars horrified, " In the same place as before?"

Captain Rose cleared his throat, " Never mind that, Fire Safety will see to it."

" No not good enough," Commander Spacey glared at Rose, " It is a fire in the same area as before and I want to know why," when she noticed Rose opening his mouth to deny her she turned away from him and spoke, " Parker. Adams. Go to the Storage Deck and see what you can find out."

" Yes Ma’am," Parker was up and grabbing Adams, dragging him along and ignoring Rose’s repeated attempts to get them to come back.

Captain Rose looked over at Diana through narrowed eyes, " Don’t you ever give orders on my ship again," she rolled her eyes and turned her back to him again and it took all of Rose’s will power not to smack her on the back of the head.

Ryo took a seat at Navigations listening as Cassidy spoke, " Captain, there is a visitor at the front of the ship. However, he is not responding to my hails."

Just then Bikky stepped into the room. Rose looked over and waving his hand shouted, "No children allowed on Deck!"

Bikky scowled then raising his right hand and the middle finger on it, he spat, " Screw you!"

Ryo turned in his seat and glared at the teen, " Bikky."

" What? They are evacuating Quarters, where else can I go?"

Cassidy sighed, " He’s still not answering Sir."

Rose rubbed his temples, " Commander Spacey, go see what the gentleman wants."

Diana groaned then made her way off the Deck and toward the front of the ship.

***

Fire Safety was trying in vain to put out the fire. It wasn’t that it was large it just seemed not to want to go away, like it had an endless source of fuel. When J.J. and Drake arrived most of Fire Safety was sitting on boxes and crates wiping sweat and frowning.

" What’s going on guys?" Drake asked no one in particular.

Two of the men looked up from their places on crates, but is was the woman, Mary, who answered, " Damn fire won’t go out. Had this problem the last time we were in here," she pointed to the two men who were still working on it, " Not spreading though."

" Well, that’s good to know," J.J. sat next to a man, and the man got up grumbling something about "flamers". J.J. ignored it, but the man got a death glare from Parker.

" You know what guys," one of the men working on the fire stopped and stepped back, " I have to take a break, it’s too damn hot."

" Yeah, both of you sit down," the Fire Chief pointed to two others, " Take their spots."

So as the four men prepared to swap places, no one tending the fire, nothing trying to quench the flames, the hot spot suddenly died. Every conversation ceased as everyone in the room looked over at where the fire once was. The only thing there now was a wisp of smoke.

Every looked over at the area shocked, but it was Drake who voiced everyone’s thoughts, " What the fuck!"

***

" Still not answering Sir," Cassidy was continuing trying to hail the man at ‘Glorious’ front door, as ordered, to no avail.

Rose sighed, " On screen, I want to see this man."

Cassidy opened the view screen and everyone looked up to see who this man was. The man was looking to his right, body turned in such a way so all you could see was his profile. He was wearing a black business suit and he looked rather handsome from this angle. Rose gave the order to open a channel so he could talk to the man. Cassidy looked at him and nodded when the deed was done. Rose was about to open his mouth to speak when the man turned around fully and his entire face could be seen by the crew.

Over the gasp given by Cassidy and Lars, Bikky yelled, " It’s a split-faced dude!" and before Rose could stop him Ryo was out of his seat and sprinting toward the front of the ship, toward Diana. He wouldn’t have her face a G’nar alone.

***

" Wow, this is some set up," Drake had all of Fire Safety as well as J.J. looking over his shoulder, " Only someone with extensive knowledge of the ship as well as advance knowledge of electronics could do this."

The crew of ‘Glorious’ was looking at some sort of device, rather large, it was made of circular metal with evenly spaced pin holes. The holes, Parker assumed, was were fuel for the fire was released and it was obviously placed on a timer or was being used by remote control to control the flame. However, they wouldn’t know more until Tech Support arrived.

" How and when could something this big come onto the ship and no one notice?" J.J. was whispering his words, " This is crazy..."

The Fire Chief spoke, " I only need two of you to stay so, Hammons and Solus stay behind and assist Tech. Everyone else, let’s go!"

There were a few grumbles and groans, but everyone obeyed and as they left two of Tech’s finest arrived. The beautiful Crystal White and the genius Christopher Meyers.

" Thanks for calling us," Crystal began to pull her dark hair up in a bun, " what’s up?"

Drake pointed at the device, " I think it should be disconnected and removed before you guys start analyzing it. This is where the fire originated from."

" In that case," Christopher waved at the firemen and they understood, taking their places to the side of the two Tech experts to extinguish any fires that may arise, " I think that would be the most logical step."

Hair up Crystal knelt beside Christopher, who was also her husband, and the two began the process of dismantling the mechanism.

***

Ryo caught up to Diana just as the hatch to the ship slid open. She froze at the sight of the G’nar and was relieved when Ryo made his way to her side.

" How may I help you?" Diana sounded calm and commanding as she made her way out to meet the man.

The G’nar smiled, " I am Cladious. Are you the Commander of this ship?"

Diana ran the question through her mind. If she were to tell the truth then it was possible that this man, this enemy, would want to talk to the Captain. Even though she couldn’t stand Rose she was first and foremost a member of this crew and her loyalty lied with the ship and therefore it’s commander. She would lie to protect the Captain.

" Yes I am. What is your business here?"

Cladious was quick, so quick that Ryo didn’t realize he actually heard a gun shot until Diana fell back onto his chest. He held her upright and began to drag her back inside the ship. Cladious continued to fire, striking Diana’s shoulder and leg. Ryo turned himself and Diana, now with their backs to the G’nar Ryo was shielding Diana. Once inside Ryo dropped Diana to the floor and turned to the keypad to shut the door. Just as Ryo’s fingers entered the last number and the hatch began to close he was struck in the chest. Ryo fell and landed painfully on his back, his head striking the floor with such force that he was instantly knocked unconscious.

***

" Shit!" Dee looked at his finger and watched as the blood beaded on the tip, " how the hell?"

Leslie looked up from his place on the other side of the chess board, " That’s odd, I’ve had this for years and nothing like that has happened before," he frowned, he was rather fond of his glass chess set.

Dee sucked on the finger then pulling it out with a pop, asked, " Must be a bad omen or something..."

" Must be," Leslie nodded his head in agreement, then looking up smiled, " Check mate."