The Devil's Jester

By Sean Austin

After those long brutal weeks we went through, I was surprised any of us came out of it alive. We were tired, battered and bloody but we were still gamely standing despite what had been thrown at us. When Jack had appeared at the front door with tanks at his back, I could have cried through sheer relief. He had no idea how grateful I was he had arrived in time.After escaping from hell, should anyone be expected to return again? Even if it means getting a ticket home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean Austin
• Release date: Feb 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463825761

Sean Austin

Sean Austin is an award winning* hobby writer who lives in Melbourne, Australia.After working as a Geologist in Mount Isa, a remote town in outback western Queensland, he swapped the heat and rugged landscape for the city and now spends his time mowing roadsides for the council.(* Winner of the Aerican Empire Poetry Ball award 2008 and co-winner of the Aerican Empire IDBAD Award 2019.)

Book preview

THE DEVIL’S JESTER

Last of a Kind: Part 2

Sean Austin

Copyright © 2012 Sean Austin

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition.

For my wonderful family and friend’s. Your love, patience and support mean everything to me

Also by this author:

The Damned: Last of a Kind Volume 1

A Handful of Dusty Roses

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Firstly, thanks must go to Earl for once again editing my manuscript, for pointing out where I screwed up and for suggesting improvements

Thank you also to everyone who showed an interest in both the first book and in me continuing on with the second part. For your interest, patience and support I am eternally grateful.

Intermission

After those hellish weeks we went through, I was surprised anyone came out of it alive. We were tired, battered and bloody but we were still standing despite everything that had been thrown at us. When Jack appeared at the door with tanks at his back, I could have cried with relief. He had no idea how grateful I was that he had arrived at a time when we had needed him most.

We were more surprised that the Admiral had decided we’d been through enough and sent down the transports to pick us up. The transport pilots were understanding when we told them they needed to wait. A couple of them even helped us dig graves and bury our friends. One came forward somewhat shyly as we were finishing, a small silver bottle clutched tightly in his hands. He came looking specifically for me and when he stood in front of me, he told me he was a preacher. He had asked me in a genuinely hopeful voice if he could bless the cemetery we had created, ‘sanctifying’ the ground for them. When I gave him the go ahead, he smiled sadly and asked for some pickets and wire.

Over the following three hours, he had directed the construction of a fence around the cemetery perimeter, tipping oil from his bottle at each corner and murmuring prayers for the eternal rest of our dead. Under the preacher’s watchful gaze, Lou had made sure the fences were straight and the wire taut. When the preacher was done, he returned to me and dipped his finger into his bottle once more. He laid his oily finger on my forehead with deliberation and then walked away silently.

We didn’t have to wait long after that for Jack’s and Kate’s teams to be loaded onto the transports, leaving the rest of us waiting nervously for our ride out; and me wondering what the hell had just happened.

¹ Return

Our leaving the planet was spectacularly uneventful. Anticlimactic even. We had expected to be stranded, fighting our way out of a mass of bugs as people were torn to shreds all around us but nothing like that happened. No shots were fired; in fact we saw nothing at all. The massed attack of bugs and humanoids that had been there only a few hours ago, the one we had fully expected to have to break through to escape, was gone. They had disappeared and left us alone to load up and leave unmolested. Jack and Kate had gone first, the big transports thundering as they lifted off. While we waited for our ride out, I surveyed the battlefield from the top of the ridge between S and C Towers. The artillery bunker was finally silent after three days of unceasing fire, its gun barrels pointed mutely towards the sky. A Tower was still smoking on the other side of the base and I looked at W Tower, taking in its open doors. N and E Towers stood brokenly, their stubborn but exhausted defenders lying peacefully asleep in the southern bunker. Everyone was in there now, most of them so fatigued they had dropped at the prospect of rest. The sinking sun cast deep shadows across the base and I smiled tiredly, glad I would be able to finally turn my back on it. My eyes fell to the fenced cemetery, a sad reminder that we had been here. Looking down at the bunker below, I saw someone climbing up the slope towards me. When they drew closer I realised it was Michael and I waited for him to join me. When he did, we stared down at the smoking ruins silently, watching the sun setting in a fiery red blaze. Eventually he looked at me with a smile and held out his hand.

Good job Jack. he told me quietly and with feeling as I took his hand. You got us through.

We simply walked on to the transport that had arrived to pick us up, a big one this time that we all fit on with room to spare. I tallied up everyone as they hurried aboard and looked around as the last person jogged up the ramp. The final count was one hundred and fifty seven, most of them with some sort of injury. Even our worst cases had stayed; none of our wounded went with Jack. They had wanted to go with us, begging or hiding until we had no choice but to let them. My guess was they had wanted to finish with the people they started with instead of leaving with strangers. All up, sixteen Specialists, one hundred and forty Regulars and one pilot. Scot, Jess and Jennifer were among nearly two dozen injured being carried among us. I’d shaken my head at them as they were slowly helped aboard.

You need your heads examined. I told them mock seriously as they went past me.

Scot had looked at me wearily and shrugged.

You think we’re bad, take a look in the mirror when you get back.

I shook my head sadly even though I was smiling at the memory of a few minutes ago. I was no better or worse of than most of those who were now aboard. Taking one last long look around at the battered buildings and the dull sun beaten rocks, I finally made my way up the ramp and into the ship. The crewman at the ramp controls nodded to me with a smile as he pressed the button. As the ramp lifted and cut out the noise of the engines spooling up, I made my way to the front of the ship. Climbing a few rungs up the ladder to the cockpit, I turned and loudly congratulated those aboard for their efforts.

We made it. Not many of us but we made it. I shouted to them. I want the Admiral to remember that place. I reckon that there has never been any act of guts as big as that. I know I near shit myself a few times, but who can honestly say that they didn’t. We were never trained for what we just did. We never expected to have to do shit like that and despite all that, we came through. Sure, we’re a little battered, bloody and bruised but we’re still here. I’m extremely thankful that none of you shot my arse off in the process. It came close a couple of times, especially in those last few days.

I heard someone yell loudly that they were sorry from somewhere up the back. I smiled and waved nonchalantly.

No worries. My arse is still in one piece, a little bruised but still there. I reckon when we get back, if they have a pub I’ll shout you all a drink or two. You all bloody well deserve it.

There was a loud cheer and people began talking loudly as I dropped off the ladder to the deck again. A lot of them were just glad to get out alive, others talking sadly of people who hadn’t. I smiled and shook hands with people, congratulating them as I made my way towards Jennifer.

Through the sea of voices I overheard someone asking about someone else, wanting to know if anyone had seen them. The name sounded vaguely familiar and a few moments later I realised I knew it. I searched through the heavy cloth bag on my belt, the sound of jingling dog tags carrying to the girl who was asking the questions. She looked at me fearfully as I rummaged around, not wanting to know if I found the tag I was looking for yet desperate to know at the same time. When I stopped and looked up at her, she sagged and came over to me. I handed her the tag in my hand and she took it slowly, her hands shaking. One look at it confirmed her fears and she nodded, handing the blood encrusted tag back to me as her eyes filled with tears.

Where did you find it? she asked, her voice thick and trembling.

West Tower, down in the basement.

She nodded, the brimming tears finally sliding down her dusty face.

Was it quick?

I thought about it for a second and slowly nodded.

They put up a good fight, but it would have been quick at the end. I lied. There was no use in telling her it would have been a frighteningly brutal end. What we had found down there had been a scene better fitted to a slaughterhouse. It would be better for her to not know what had happened, better for her to think they had died heroically instead of torn apart in a frenzy of blood letting. I put the thought out of my mind and looked at her as she nodded, tears streaming down her face. She tried to smile bravely but only managed a wobbly, lopsided grimace.

At least he tried. she finally said before turning quickly and walking away, pushing through the crowd with her hands over her face.

I sighed and nodded sadly to myself at the truth of what she said. Looking at the tag, I slid a calloused thumb over it, rubbing the thick layer of flaking blood away. Eventually I shook my head and dropped the tag back into the bag that contained hundreds more, each one another heavy weight I would have to carry.

As I looked blankly through a porthole twenty minutes later, I watched idly as the transport came in to dock. Under the direction of a space suited controller, the pilot gently nudged the big craft into position in the hangar and slowly cut the power back until we touched down with a gentle thud. Once we were on the deck and the engines had powered down, I saw the Admiral walking quickly out to meet us and frowned. I didn’t like that little bastard and the fact that he was there to welcome us back with one of his smugly pretentious smiles was enough to annoy the hell out of me. Right now, just the sight of him was enough to piss me off. I had to do something to make him think, something that would prove we were proud and unbeaten by what we’d just survived. I quickly turned to the others behind me as I came up with an idea.

I have one last request. I want you all to form up in ranks. I promise this is the only time you have to do this. Impress the Admiral that we may be tired but we are fucking proud of what we’ve accomplished. They threw the best they had at us and we kicked their arse!.

I have no idea why but they cheered me as they formed up. The Specialists stood proudly at the front, a pitiful few left of the hundred they had started with. Lou stood at their head and he smiled at me as they lined up behind him. Right behind my Specialists, the Regulars lined up in one solid group. I smiled, suddenly feeling a lump in my throat at the sight of them. They looked shabby and ragged, their clothes torn and grubby but right then they were beautiful. They had pride and it shone brightly from every single face.

When the ramp went down they marched out, their boots loud on the steel decking. It was to my surprise and the Admiral’s that they were in near perfect step, their footfalls a rolling drumbeat that echoed through the hangar. They neatly left the hangar through the wide doors that opened for them at the end of the cavernous space, still in step, and in the process they went straight past the Admiral with their heads held high. I saw him frown slightly at the sight and his frown made me smile vindictively. I stood at the top of the ramp as the stretcher cases were carried out next, watching as they were intercepted by white gowned medical staff who quickly took them away. Jennifer put a hand on my shoulder as I watched them go, the smile still on my face.

It seems I asked you this once and it seems like a long time ago now. But, are we going? she asked. I looked at her for a second and nodded. As I turned to go, I suddenly felt a wave of guilty relief wash over me as we stood at the top of the ramp and my smile faltered. We had both survived when so many others hadn’t, we were still together and still had a shot at getting home soon. My smile returned at the thought of going home and I took her hand.

Yeah. Let’s go see what that dickhead wants.

Scot and Jess limped down the ramp behind us as we made our way over to the Admiral. He looked at us distastefully as we stopped in front of him, the other three standing to some form of ragged attention as we did, Jennifer letting go of my hand almost reluctantly in the process. I looked at them quickly and sighed, shaking my head sadly at their continued awe of the jackass. The Admiral spared me a momentary glance, taking in my slouched and uncaring stance. His lip curled momentarily into a tiny sneer of disgust before disappearing; not before I noticed it though. I shrugged my indifference while I stood there, unperturbed by his disgust, my pants stiff with soaked in blood, sweat and grime. At least the shirt I had borrowed from Jack was somewhat clean, even if it was a little too small and unbuttoned because of that. A moment later I noticed for the first time that I stank like an abattoir. Jennifer had told me I reeked but I hadn’t really taken any notice of it until now. The Admiral looked us over, his nose wrinkling slightly at the smell.

I see you did well. were his first terse words.

None of us replied. He looked at me again sourly, staring at me like it was all my fault. With a start I realised it was and I smiled at him sweetly in triumph. His frown deepened and he looked away.

I see you did very well. So what am I to do now? There are nearly eight hundred people here and from those I must now pick twenty.

I frowned slightly as he said that, momentarily wondering if we were really going on the second mission. Beside me Jennifer put her hand up slightly.

A request sir.

He turned his attention to her, a look of mild surprise on his face.

Yes Jennifer? You have a request?

She paused and looked at Scot and Jess.

I’d like these two to go with us sir.

He waited a few moments as if thinking about her request while Scot and Jess looked at Jennifer in surprise. Looking quickly at the pair in question, the Admiral frowned and looked back at her.

I’ll think about it. The team will officially be announced in three days once all the information has been collated and thoroughly sorted through.

Information? Jess asked.

The Admiral nodded. I thought I saw a look of barely hidden annoyance on his face as he answered her. As though we were somehow beneath him or offended his snobbish sensibilities, that we shouldn’t have had the temerity to ask questions or requests of him. Sure we smelled awful, we looked like crap and we were covered in blood and dirt but it still didn’t give him the right to be offended by us, especially as he was the one that sent us down there in the first place. I felt my anger at him rise up another notch, simmering just below the surface like a bubbling pot about to boil over.

Yes. I must now sift through everything to find who performed the best, tactically speaking. Compile a comprehensive report on who conducted themselves with excellence during the trial. From what I have so far seen it will most likely turn out that all four of you will be going I believe.

I yawned loudly and scratched at the ragged and dirty beard I had begun to grow.

Can we go now? I asked lazily. I didn’t bother trying to disguise the boredom in my voice. He turned his now open contempt on me quickly.

I haven’t finished with you yet.

I shrugged nonchalantly.

Like I give a shit. You stand there in a clean uniform, freshly showered, shaved and powdered. You even look like you got a full night of uninterrupted sleep.

I paused to look him up and down and return his contemptuous stare.

Meanwhile I need a bath and a good nights sleep before I can stomach listening to any more of your shit. I think I deserve to be released on those grounds alone.

I could see that he was getting pretty wound up and he visibly made an effort to calm down. It took him a few seconds before he could reply evenly.

Very well, I will see you tomorrow when you are of a better disposition. You are dismissed.

He walked away before we could even salute him, not that I was going to anyway.

The others watched him go in surprise and crowded around me once he was out of sight. Jennifer had a little knowing smile on her face while Scot and Jess looked completely incredulous.

Do you always speak like that to an Admiral? asked Jess in awe.

Jennifer laughed and shook her head.

That was actually pretty tame considering he did worse before we left.

She looked at me and shook her head in amusement.

Jack actually interrupted and threatened to kill him because the Admiral was pissing him off. she informed them.

You threatened the Admiral? Scot asked me.

I nodded and smiled at the memory.

With a loaded gun. He’s an arsehole anyway. I replied nonchalantly. Now if no one minds, I really would like a hot bath. Where did we leave our room?

More like where are the transporters? asked Jennifer. That would be the easiest way to get back.

Before we could go looking for the transporters, there was a cough behind us and I turned to see Lou and a few others standing there quietly. I was a little surprised to see them there as I’d thought everyone had already left.

What can I do for you Lou? I would have thought you’d be having a bath or something like that by now.

He smiled and nodded.

I would have been but there’s something we want to do first.

He turned to one of the girls behind him and she gave him a blanket wrapped object. Turning back to me, he held it out in both hands.

We’d like to present you with this. he told me as I took it, slightly curious to know what they were doing. If the history class at school was accurate, I learned it was once customary for soldiers’ to present a token of their respect to a commanding officer after a big battle. he elaborated with a little embarrassment as I unrolled the blanket. We know it’s a bit rough but it’s the best we could do at the time.

The last fold fell away to reveal a scabbarded short sword. The scabbard was a canvas and timber affair, a cluster of small stars embroidered near the top. Drawing the blade I found it wasn’t actually a short sword but in fact a single edged long knife. The metal had a dull, beaten look to it, the hilt simply two pieces of what I suspected was packing crate glued and riveted together then filed into shape. I looked at Lou again with a smile.

How did you manage this?

He shrugged and smiled in return.

It’s a cut down star picket. We made a few of them in our spare time between attacks. One of the guys has a dad that makes swords and he showed us how to do it. We didn’t think they would come in handy at the time, it was just something to keep ourselves occupied.

He looked down at an identical knife hanging at his side, his hand gently fingering the hilt.

This one saved my life in that last hour at E Post. I’m glad I had it. he finished quietly.

I nodded silently, testing the edge with my thumb. I was a little surprised to find it was almost razor sharp. The entire eighteen inches of the blade had been honed into a wickedly sharp weapon. Carefully sliding it back into the scabbard, I inspected the embroidered stars and the stitching that held it all together. The seam at the back was skilfully done, the small neat stitches straight and even all the way down the centre. Considering the difficult circumstances in which it had been crafted, it was a wonderful gift. I almost felt I couldn’t accept it but the look on Lou’s face told me I had no other choice.

Thanks Lou. I don’t know why you think I deserve it, but thank you.

He stared at me incredulously.

You really don’t know why? What you did down there makes me feel proud to have been by your side. The things you did to get us through, the things you did for us. Hell, the things you did for our dead. he smiled and shook his head in disbelief. You’ve made a legend for yourself and I can tell you now, it’s one that people will remember long after you and I are dead and gone. You won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

There were quiet agreements from a couple of the people behind him and he looked at me steadily.

I sincerely thank you for everything you’ve done for us. That knife there isn’t half enough of a gift to repay you. I’m almost embarrassed to have given you something so crude. I should be giving you something encrusted with gold and jewels instead of something made from a fence post...

I held a hand up to cut him off, feeling a lump in my throat at the frankly honest tone of his voice.

Lou, there’s nothing better you could have given me. This is something from the heart and that’s worth more than gold and jewels.

He smiled in relief and nodded.

Thanks. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go find that shower now.

I laughed.

I think that’s a good idea. I’m going to do the same myself.

We found the transporter in short order after we decided it would be quicker and easier to ask someone instead of wandering around the Loading Bay. Following their directions didn’t help much though it did get us close enough for someone else to finally point it out for us. I turned to Jess and Scot before we went through.

You guys can go back to your rooms and have a bath or something. We’ll see you later. I said to them.

Yeah. In a couple of days. I need to soak off all this shit. Jess agreed.

We went our separate ways through the transporter. After the now familiar blue flash I landed in the old room. Unfortunately it was to find Jack and Kate already there and otherwise occupied. I wasn’t entirely sure what to do and decided it would be a good idea to disappear into the bathroom before they noticed me. I was vaguely surprised they hadn’t noticed the blue glow of the transporter when I’d appeared. As I turned to go I accidentally scuffed my boot across the floor and Kate squeaked in surprise when she saw me.

I guess I should have waited? I said when I looked back at them with an apologetic smile.

To add to their embarrassment, Jennifer came through and she froze at the sight just as I had a moment ago.

Bad timing? she said to me as the meaning of the sight before her sank in. I nodded and indicated the door to the bathroom.

I think we had better escape now and have a long overdue bath. I suggested.

I’ll join you in that. Jennifer agreed quickly.

Jack and Kate just looked at us from under the sheets of Jack’s bed, both bright red with embarrassment as the two of us hurriedly exited into the bathroom. I closed the door and leaned back against it.

That was extremely embarrassing. I said, barely controlling the laugh that was fighting its way up my throat.

Jennifer nodded, hiding her wide grin and blushing face in her hands.

That was something I could have gone without seeing. she replied unevenly.

Taking her hands away from her face, I could see that like me she was struggling to suppress her laughter. She stepped up to the bath and turned the water on. The sight of the clean steaming water made a rush of desperate longing power through me. It took an effort not to simply strip and climb right in. Thankfully, it distracted me from what was happening on the other side of the door.

Can you believe that they were screwing and we walked in? I feel like we just busted them doing something naughty. she said over her shoulder. She turned as I stepped up behind her and put my hands around her waist, kissing me softly before pulling away slightly.

I mean, I know what they were doing but there’s nothing wrong with that. I hope we didn’t embarrass them too much. I wouldn’t want to spoil the moment on them.

I pulled back a little as well to look at her flushed face and frowned mock seriously.

I think we might have by the look on Jack’s face. I said.

We were interrupted by a long drawn out moan from beyond the door and we looked at each other for a moment in surprise.

Perhaps not? Jennifer whispered, her eyes twinkling in amusement.

Another moan filtered through the wall. It proved too much for us and we began laughing. Jennifer buried her face in my chest as I buried mine in her hair, both of us doing our best to muffle the sound, neither of us wanting to interrupt their moment again.

I’d forgotten how good it felt to laugh and we stood there laughing breathlessly until the memories of blood and death intruded on my mind and put an abrupt stop to my amusement. I guess I didn’t really feel like laughing. There was simply too much recent death on my mind to find anything really funny for long. I sighed and stepped away to test the water as Jennifer came to a hiccupping stop. I somehow felt guilty for finding something funny so soon after I’d helped bury so many people.

That was just too funny. Jennifer giggled.

It was. I agreed. Maybe now they will learn to lock the transporter. I said as I dipped my fingers in. She looked at me in surprise.

I didn’t know you could do that.

I nodded. The water was hot but the heat felt beautiful and I smiled slightly in anticipation.

Yeah. I found out we could have locked it after that grenade incident with the Admiral. I told her over my shoulder. Apparently all we had to do was press the button and tell it to lock. One of the deck hands told me when I was talking to him before we loaded up and left. I was complaining about the lack of privacy with those things and he mentioned it.

Jennifer sighed at the memory.

Too bad it wasn’t before that.

As the water started to lap at the edge of the bath, I turned the tap off and began to take my shirt off, impatient to get in. I had completely forgotten about the deep cut across my back, one I had hidden from Jennifer for almost a week. It reminded me that it existed with a bright, brutal flash of pain. Jennifer didn’t notice as I winced and gingerly peeled the shirt from my shoulders. She was too busy struggling with her own clothing, muttering and groaning quietly to herself.

I can’t get this off. she complained eventually, her voice muffled by the shirt covering her face.

Why?

It hurts too much.

I gently helped her with the shirt and kissed her again. She had already stripped most of her clothes off already and only had the bike shorts to go. I had my pants and bike shorts still on, slower than her in the process of getting undressed.

In the bath with you. I ordered.

She took her shorts off unselfconsciously, tossing them onto the pile of discarded clothes she had left on the floor as she got in.

Shit! Did I forget to put the cold water on? she gasped as the water cascaded to the floor, draining away through the grill in the middle of the room. I nodded and smiled.

What are you complaining about? It’s nice.

I picked up a sponge and began scrubbing her back gently, being careful not to scrape any of the numerous cuts and scratches that marred her skin. I looked at the line of stitches and puckered skin down her side, hesitantly dabbing the sponge along it to clean off the encrusted blood. She didn’t flinch as I did, silently waiting until I moved on to rinse the accumulated dirt and sweat from her hair.

How does it look now? she asked quietly.

I inspected the wound carefully, checking the stitches one by one. Finally I nodded to myself.

It looks alright. If you keep it clean it should be fine.

She smiled and handed me the bottle of shampoo.

While you’re there… she murmured.

Once I’d got her hair clean enough for her satisfaction, she relaxed and looked back at me.

When are you coming in? she asked.

I smiled as I stripped and got in behind her, putting my arms around her as she leaned back against me. After a minute or two I nudged her and picked up the sponge again.

I’d better finish the job. I told her.

She nodded with a smile and . The water quickly became cloudy and red with the accumulated blood, dirt and grime on us as I scrubbed her down thoroughly. Finally I gently washed around the stitches down her side again.

Scot did a good job on this. I said.

She nodded and touched the stitches gently.

Yeah. Doesn’t hurt as much now either.

I sighed and put down the sponge I was using.

Well, you’re about as clean as you’re going to get in this water.

Then turn around and I’ll clean you.

I frowned and slowly turned. With my back to her, I heard her mutter something quietly and I looked back to see her shaking her head.

You certainly know how to make a mess of yourself. she told me. Now turn around and I’ll try and clean you up a little.

She hesitated as she looked me over.

At the least, I’ll try to get most of this crap off.

I nodded and scooped water up into my face, scrubbing at the dirt and blood crusted on my skin and in my short beard. Jennifer touched the stitches and scabbing gently.

Does it hurt? she asked.

I nodded.

It does a little. Hurt more when that damned bug tried to impale me. Scot managed to sew it up. I told her. He had taped and super glued it closed and then quickly put a dozen stitches in after he had done his work on Jennifer a few days later. I quickly looked back at her again when she remained silent. She frowned and picked up the sponge I had been using on her.

Well, you can add one more scar to the hundreds you’re going to have. she said flatly as she started to wash my back. I nodded and held still while she moved from my back to my sides and front.

By the time she was done, the water had almost become a glutinous paste. We got out long enough to empty the water out, scrubbing the stain from the tub as it drained before we ran another bath. The water stayed clear when we got in so we just relaxed back in it, enjoying the incredible feeling of being clean and to be sitting back, soaking away all the aches and pains of the last couple of weeks. I was half-asleep when I felt Jennifer’s fingers run lightly up the inside of my leg.

So what do you say to a little...? she asked coyly.

I smiled and nodded towards the other room.

The other two are in the room just behind that door.

She shrugged.

They were doing it before and we walked in on them.

And we walked in on them. I echoed.

So it would be justice if they walked in on us. she said with a smile.

I smiled in return and nodded slowly.

It probably would but it would still be embarrassing if they did.

She shrugged again and ran her hand up my leg.

I’m offering here and I think we both need it. I do anyway and by the feel of it, so do you. she said as her hand curled gently around me. She smiled and kissed my cheek. Stop stalling already.

I smiled and kissed her, putting my arms around her again. She sighed in satisfaction when I lifted her onto my lap.

Sometime later, after we got out of our extended bath, Jennifer and I sat quietly in the room with Jack and Kate. The tension in the air was almost real and we found we couldn’t look at each other without turning red and laughing. I finally decided I needed to break the tension and get everyone talking again.

Look. If you two are pissed off at me for walking in on you, I’m sorry. What can I do to make it up to you? I said to Kate and Jack. Kate looked at me and sighed in relief.

I thought no one was going to bring that up. Thank God you did or I would have had to. I’m not pissed off, just embarrassed. So for a start you can find us some alcohol. That way we can get drunk and forget it ever happened. she said.

Jack shook his head.

I’ve got a better idea.

The smile he gave me made me think that my modesty was about to be put to the test in the very near future.

You have to walk in front of the Admiral naked.

I thought about it for a second, glad he hadn’t come up with anything more embarrassing than that. His idea seemed perfectly reasonable, after all I would be able to piss off the Admiral but I suddenly smiled as I came up with something even more entertaining.

How’s this for a punishment. How about I ask the Admiral for some alcohol, while naked? I proposed. Would that be suitable?

Everyone laughed and I breathed a sigh of relief as the tension between us all disappeared. I went over to the transporter, ready to back up my dare if I had to. They watched me go, wide smiles on all their faces.

So what do we all want to drink? I asked

Whatever you think is good. Bourbon perhaps or maybe scotch. said Jack.

I nodded and waved nonchalantly. In the back of my mind though was a suddenly sour wriggling worm of thought that he was going from his first beer to ordering hard liquor pretty damned quick. I shook it off, blaming the shit we had just gone through for the change in him. Getting drunk might actually help forget some of it for awhile. I smiled at him and winked.

Well. I’m off.

Wait up. said Kate. How do we know if you’re going to do it or not? You could go in with your clothes on for all we know.

Jack looked at her and nodded.

She’s got a point. he said.

I looked at the three of them and sighed melodramatically.

Must I? I asked forlornly.

Kate nodded.

Come on Jack. Get your kit off.

And make a show of it. Jennifer added.

The three of them screamed with laughter as I rolled my eyes and they were all still laughing when I reached to put my thumb on the