1. See the solar system.
2. Earn money for college.
3. Work in a fun environment.
Yeah right," Walker fumed thinking of his "to do list" as he brought Booth 4 their waters and put his smile back on for the elderly couple as he took their order.
Walker worked at the "Branding Iron", a specialty restaurant that featured beef raised on Earth so it was very pricey and not included in most cruise fares. The free meal Walker got at the end of his shift was the only thing good happening to him since he shipped out on the "Vera Gemini".
Walker was third generation Martian, his Great Grand Parents had been among the second wave of "Earthers" to colonize the planet over a century ago. Even after 100 years of "terra forming" Mars was still a harsh place to live. Walker's Dad and brothers worked in mining and made decent livings and accepted the harsh life. But not Walker.
All his life he dreamed about Earth, the wonders of that blue planet. Imagine swimming in a lake of fresh water, the warm sun and wildlife. Animals were Walker's passion and at an early age announced to his amused parents he was going to Earth to become a veterinarian.
Taking his education as far as he could on Mars, Walker needed to get to Earth to get his degree. When Red Sands Cruise Lines held a job fair offering employment and a generous scholarship program, Walker signed up on the spot.
Now a few weeks into his 18 month contract, he wondered if he had made the right choice. His boss at the "Branding Iron" was an insufferable Prick, and as for the claim of a "fun work environment" that remained to be seen. The crew and staff of the Vera Gemini numbered around 500 and had its own social hierarchy.
"On top of course is the Captain and his staff of pilots and ship engineers. Next comes the entertainment staff, then us, the service staff. We feed and clean up after the passengers." Walker recalled his roommate Artie telling him.
Artie was a laid back "Earther" on his 2nd contract with the cruise line. Artie was a "bubble dancer," a dishwasher, at the main dining room. He also worked room service detail from time to time.
His shift over, Walker just wanted to study a bit then sleep. As he approached his cabin he saw the smiley face disk on the door, meaning Artie had female company. A signal they had agreed upon when they had first met.
"That's just fucking great!" Walker's head sunk against the door. Walker took a walk to the upper observation deck and found a seat. Guests milled about in wonder as the planet Jupiter loomed dead ahead. Screens ran down the time till the great ship orbited the red giant, the 1st stop on the cruise.
After a while, he returned to his room only to see Artie was still going at it. A thoroughly dejected Walker decided he needed a drink. He made his way to the Employee lounge and Recreation area a few decks down.
The employee lounge was crowded, service staff mostly from the looks of the uniforms they wore. Not spotting anybody he knew he found a stool and ordered a beer. A large screen showed a football game from Earth with the sound turned off. Walker sipped his beer and tried to watch. He liked football but his sad state of mind kept him from enjoying it.
Walker ordered another beer and opened his Com. Device, logged on to the ship system and checked for messages, nothing. Homesick he ran the last message his family had sent him. With the sound muted he smiled as the video ran. It showed his Dad in the den with his brother talking shop no doubt. They were waving. His Grandmother was in the kitchen...
"Hey Bartender, I Need a beer!" A woman standing next to him yelled. She set her bag on the bar.
"You want a beer." The Bartender corrected her, "I don't serve drunks," the barkeep grinned at her. She was pretty and she bobbed her tongue out at him. They obviously knew each other. He served her drink and moved on to another customer.
"Branding Iron eh?"
Walker looked up realizing she was talking to him.
"Yeah," Walker nodded.
"Not a bad place to work, better then the main dining hall, though I hear that Blaine guy, the Manager, Is a total A-hole," the woman said with genuine friendliness.
"You got that right." Walker smiled in agreement.
"Walker your first name?" Pointing to his work name tag.
He shook his head. "Jared," he offered his hand.
"Natasha. Nice to meet you Jared Walker."
Over another beer, Walker learned that Natasha worked on the Spa deck, leading aerobic classes and was a massage therapist. Her goal was to live on Earth also. Her parents were Scientists and had raised her on one research Station after another. Natasha had never taken in a breath of real air. She was a true child of space.
As they chatted, Walker could not help but notice how pretty Natasha was. She had shoulder length raven black hair and piercing green eyes. She was wearing a T-shirt bearing the company logo and her uniform white pants. When she excused herself to use the ladies room, Walker watched her walk away liking what he saw, a firm ass and toned legs.
As Natasha entered the bathroom two women filed in behind her. One wore the uniform of the "Branding Iron."
"So?"
"Well, his name is Jared"
"I told you, and?"
"He is not a farmer, he's studying to become a vet"
"Impressive."
"I told you, Mandy, my friend in Admin read his file. Is he nice?"
"Yes, and a body to die for. Tall, dark, athletic, one of those strong silent types"
Giggles filled the room.
"You taking him to work?"
"And my bed, if I have my way!"
More giggles.
