Weaving home

Naera paced up and down next to her bunk. Emely watched her, legs drawn up under her chin. “It’s not as big a deal as you’re making it out to be, you know that right?” The fox girl’s words cut cleanly across the concerns that the Caenii was dealing with. Pausing in her pacing, she turned to look at the redhead. “Easy for you to say. We’re almost done in this system, so we’ll be jumping to Earth soon and Dustin will make the final decision on whether or not I’m going to get to stay. That’d be bad enough, but according to you he’s also got the doctor jumping into bed with the rest of you - it feels like one less space for me.”

Emely shook her head in response. “Nonsense. Firstly, as far as I know there’s no fixed number of spaces in our relationship - and sir’s big bedroom definitely has enough for way more than currently use it. Secondly, I may or may not have overheard Meli talking with Bleu regarding you, and the doctor gave you a clean bill of health physically. And thirdly, regarding bubbles - asides from that first day, she’s been weird about jumping into bed with anyone. Okay, so Dustin had a date night with Meli right after, and then Trea’k swapped hers with Rye because she felt she was going to be busier once we got to Earth and so wanted to make sure she didn’t miss out… you should have heard the way sir ranted when he found out about that.” Emely smiled softly to herself at the memory before continuing “He more or less dragged Meli into it, insisted that she prioritize date nights in the schedule above anything else, and was quite vocal about it with all of us to make sure we understood.”

The green-skinned woman shook her head. “And that matters right now because?” Emely blinked. “Right, sorry. Dustin’s only been with Meli and Trea’k - at least, I think he was with Trea’k, she can be hard to read and I know on some of her date nights they just sit and drink and play chess or whatever. Anyway, only those two and maybe a small threesome this morning with me and Rye but I told you about that already.” Naera at this point was starting to glare at the Feliax, so she sped up “but more importantly, Bleu hasn’t been with anyone. Not Dustin, not any of the rest of us. It’s a little unusual for a Queri to be honest - I was expecting, y’kno, slime-orgy on day one, but when I spoke to her about it she seemed really unsure of herself and wanted to take things slow.”

The redhead stretched her arms above her head at that point and sighed; Naera did her best not to stare at the way the action pushed the woman’s chest forward rather prominently. “Anyhow, we’re all happy to let her go at her own pace; so you’re not missing out on anything as of yet. Well, asides from minty-flavoured Dustin if he kisses you after he kisses her in the mornings.” That earned a huff of annoyance from the Caenii, before the shortstack returned to her pacing. “So I’ve not missed out, great. But I still need a plan to move things forward or I’ll be eternally getting jealous of new arrivals. Help me out here Emmz, what should I do?”

Dustin knocked politely on the door to the counselling suite. A moment later, Trea’k opened it and gestured for him to enter. “Welcome in captain. We were just about to order some drinks.” Then, the Vex’ess envoy turned to call over her shoulder. “Add a mocha to that order, Bleu, Dustin’s just arrived.” Signalling for him to follow, she led the way into a side room where the doctor was just in the process of setting a tray down on a low table. Sinking into a chair and taking a sip of his drink, Dustin glanced between the two women. “Right. We need to discuss Naera.” He began, sitting forward. “The others too - but she’s the priority right now.”

The others set their own cups back down on the tray. “Has Meli spoken with you about it, captain?” Trea’ks voice was soft, and Dustin nodded in reply. “Yea. Seems the chef was more than just a culinary asset when you were off on your own. But as much as she might be my fiancé and my second in command, Meli isn’t the one who’s input I will be basing my final decision on. That’s over to you two. Thoughts, please? And please be honest - I want what’s best for both Naera and my ship.” Bleu spoke first, leaning forward. “Medically, there’s nothing wrong with her. Standard Caenii, healthy, passed every test I threw at her with flying colours. Could do with spending a hour or two more a week in the garden or under a ultra-violet lamp, but that’s pretty much normal for her species. You’d think plant girls would be better at touching grass than anyone else, but no. I have some other observations, but they aren’t really relevant for this discussion.”

Dustin raised an eyebrow at that. “Really, Bleu? I do want all the information.” The doctor coughed and gave him a look before continuing. “Are you sure, captain? I didn’t think reproductive information would be pertinent here…” He blushed and raised his hands quickly. “Sorry, sorry. You’re right. Okay then, Trea’k, your advice?” Thankfully, the Vex’ess woman moved swiftly to change the subject. “Naera is still highly scarred by what happened to her home - understandably so. However, she shows great mental fortitude, and is not just willingly but actively engaging with my care and treatment. At this stage, I have no reason to reject her place on the ship, and many reasons to approve it. I would still recommend that any continuance of her employment also include a requirement to continue working with me.” Then, the insect woman tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I believe you should probably talk to her and Rye as a separate matter after any decisions about her role are taken however.”

That earned Trea’k her own raised eyebrow, and she sighed. “From my observation of their interactions, I believe Naera finds our Rabyth lover highly attractive. It might be best to have a talk with the pair of them regarding how things should or should not proceed so as to not hurt anyone’s feelings - either within or without of our circle. Of course, if Naera were to join the rest of us - apologies doctor, I am aware you have only joined us recently - but if she were to join, that would be the simplest solution.” Dustin struggled to process Trea’k’s suggestions for a moment before shaking his head. “That’s a matter for another day. Right now, what matters is if she’s fit to serve - I’ll speak to Rye about… that other business, once we’re done in Earth orbit. We’ve got time for that later. And from what you’re both telling me, it seems like we’ve got ourselves a long term chef. Ill talk to her during the jump this afternoon then. Shall we move on to the others?” Trea’k picked up a tablet from the table at that point, and the three of them began to work their way through a sizable list of names.

Naera held her tablet close to her chest as she walked through the corridors of the ship. “Go to meeting prepared to discuss what important meals we’ll be having at Earth” she muttered to herself, a mantra to calm her nerves. “Show him how useful you can be. Don’t expect anything, don’t reject anything. Smile, but don’t overdo it, make sure I’m myself.” Emely’s words earlier - the importance of just being herself - rang through her head, and not for the first time she wished the fox girl was able to accompany her to the upcoming discussion on her fate with Dustin. However, this was something she knew she had to do by herself, so as she reached the door to the ready room she drew herself up to her full height and put on her bravest face. The door slid open a moment after she knocked; voice command she guessed as Dustin was standing some way away from her by the desk that occupied most of the floor space. “Come in, Naera” he said; his voice seemed friendly enough, and she did her best to view that as a good thing and relax.

Dustin watched the Caenii woman cross the floor to him before setting her tablet down on the table next to her. “So, I’ve got a few ideas for meals depending on how many important people you think we’ll need to have present when we get to Earth…” she began, clearly happier talking about her job than her future. “Naera…” he said softly, then, as she continued to babble he raised his voice. “Naera! If you wouldn’t mind, we have another matter to discuss first.” She hesitated, then nodded, hands dropping to her sides. “Right, captain. So, I’ve been catering for the senior crew for some time now and I think I’ve done a pretty good job.” Dustin sighed and reached out, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Naera. I’ve spoken with both Trea’k and Bleu. They have both given you the all clear - with the caveat that you keep working with Trea’k as your counsellor.”

Naera hesitated. “So, does that mean?” Dustin nodded slowly, letting go of her shoulders as he did so. “Yup. Congratulations on passing your probation. If you still want the job, you’re officially head chef for the Solar Ascent.” Naera’s face broke into a grin for a moment, before the sudden relief and excitement overwhelmed her better judgment and all common sense. With a bounce, she leapt for Dustin, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead close to his. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Her words were a blur; Dustin only vaguely aware of them as he moved his hands to the shortstack’s thighs to help support the weight that had suddenly dropped onto his torso.

At that point, three things happened all at once. First, Naera realized what she’d done and her words trailed off into a look of concern. Secondly, Dustin realized that he was currently holding a rather energetic and attractive woman pressed close to his body. And third, the door behind Naera hissed open and Emely walked in, talking as she did so. “So, Dustin, please tell me you’ve told Naera she… can… stay…” The Feliax’s voice trailed off as she took in the situation - Naera in Dustin’s arms, their faces mere inches apart. Then, with a squeal of delight she bounded forward. “Oh my god, sir, did you ask Naera out? Or did she ask you? I thought it’d be days after she got to stay before the two of you would start your relationship!”