The crew enjoyed the feast that Natalya had prepared for them, relishing each morsel they ate. The taste and texture of each dish enthralled Shazza and Luminia, unaware that such rapture could come from food. With everyone there, it wasn't long before everything was consumed and everyone was content and full. Alex then called everyone's attention, addressing an issue that was on his mind.
"All right. I know that we all have a lot to do and there is a fair amount of work to be done, but there is a mission that both Commander McKenzie and I need to complete," he started.
"What mission would that be sir?" Inari asked.
"The proper and successful settlement of the colonists aboard this ship. It has been centuries since our mission began and we still have yet to complete it. The overall mission for the Perseus has changed, but that aspect has not," Alex continued.
"We have been sidetracked and set off course by a great deal of things, but some of which are most fortunate," he said with a glance at Natalya.
"I am a man of my word though, and we will stay on to help the Artucian with bettering their position. But the colonists won't survive in cryo sleep forever. And I have not forgotten about the repairs that are to be made to the Darkstrider, which will be done. I'd truly be an ungrateful asshole if I left you ladies stranded here," Alex finished with a smile.
"Thank you, sir! I truly appreciate the effort you are making to make us feel more at home here aboard the Perseus. Which brings me to a topic I have been meaning to discuss with you for the last couple of days," Inari said.
"Oh? Do tell Commander."
"Ever since Priya and I were discharged from the Federation Navy, we swore to not get involved in the goings on of the galaxy. That we would only look after ourselves and other wayward souls who needed help. But since we wound up here, after being chased by pirates no less, things have changed," Inari stated.
"Finding the Perseus was something that I knew would our lives entirely, but our original plans were... less than altruistic," she admitted. We had initially planned to scrap the ship and sell it piece by piece to the highest bidder. We didn't expect to find any survivors aboard and those who were good people. Ever since we met Commander McKenzie, yourself and the Artucian people, I found my faith in something greater than myself again."
"After I was disgraced and betrayed in the worst way imaginable, I no longer could believe in something beyond myself. I thought believing in something was foolish, because I would find nothing but betrayal in the end. But now, having served with you for this brief time, has swayed me. Captain Alexander Tomisic, I, Inari Zafira Sunara, do formally request to join the Human Systems Alliance, under your command," Inari finished, before standing up and saluting the man.
Priya looked at her lover with a profound sense of wonder and awe, never having heard such an impassioned speech from her! Inari was right, on how they had both sworn to be their own bosses, never serving anyone else, or anyone else's ideals. Now, here she was, ready to throw in with Captain Tomisic and his mission, along with Commander McKenzie. Pree knew from the look on Inari's face, that she wasn't joking and stood with her lover.
"I would also like to join Inari in that request sir. Wherever she goes, I go, and that is final," Priya stated in a voice as resolute as iron.
"Sir, I stand with my friends and shipmates," Natalya told him, standing to attention. "The Perseus is need of repairs and unless you can find a more talented engineer to repair and maintain him, I would like to be the one who does it."
"Natalya may not be my flesh and blood she is still my daughter. It's a mother's duty to protect her children, however she can. That and your crew are in serious lack of a proper medical officer, to which I would offer my services, in a more permanent capacity," Korsa voiced. "I too, request entry into the Human Systems Alliance, sir."
"As do I, sir. Since the crew of the Darkstrider rescued me, I have every intention of staying with my new family. And, as advanced as Jaesa is, you are lacking a cyber systems specialist that can help ensure that she's running at peak efficiency. If you will have me as well, I would like to join my crew," Taal'ani told him with a dead serious look on her face.
"Since I have come awake from the Spock, you have treated me as a proper sentient being, despite the fact that I tried to kill you all. You granted me mercy when I expected to be executed for my crimes against you and the crew. I owe you all a life debt, one which I would happily spend my life trying to repay. I humbly submit myself to you, to be assigned and ordered as you see fit... sir," Shazza said solemnly, as she knelt before Alex.
"I too wish to join with your... crew. I have already done much that has helped them and want to continue doing so. Though I may not be a chief and can offer little in assurances, as it is not my place, I can say that my people would jump at the chance of becoming, how you say... allies? They would wish that very much, I can say that with certainty," Luminia told Alex and Kasumi before bowing.
Alex and Kas were completely stumped at this new offer! They had been certain that the crew of the Darkstrider would soon part ways with them, once they had both ships repaired. The entire crew offering to put themselves at his command?!? This was something he was completely new to! Kas looked at him with an equally surprised face, but it was mixed with acceptance, almost like she was glad for this.
If he was being honest with himself, Alex was glad of this outcome as well! Before he had left Earth and taken this position on the Perseus, he didn't focus on finding anyone at home for himself. Something that his adoptive father had grilled into him, was that he needed to focus on his career first and romantic relationships second. Though wise advice, it was now something he was calling into question, as the career he intended to pursue was now gone.
That and the beautiful dark-skinned woman who had shared his bed for the last week now, had started to make a place in his heart. Alex could feel himself falling in love with Natalya and was feeling that she felt the same way about him. He couldn't bear the thought of her having to leave, feeling as he did. And now, if this request was to be believed, she would be staying right there, with him!
Though his heart hammered at this, Alex knew that he had to be a proper captain and be detached when making decisions. The fate of thousands of colonists depended on his every move, and if he made any mistakes, their deaths would be on his head. He mulled over the offer the Darkstrider crew was making and could find no discernable cons. It looked like a win-win in his eyes, but he still had a job to do.
"I appreciate what you are all offering and with everything that has happened, I am inclined to accept your proposal right now. But, in the spirit of and traditions of the Human Systems Alliance as it was, I implore you all to take the night to think and sleep on what you are offering," he said to them. The crew looked as though it would protest, but he held his hand up, to indicate that he had more to say. The women quieted as he continued.
"If in the morning, you are feeling the same way as you are now, then report to the bridge at 0800, in a set of dress blues. Or in what whatever constitutes formal clothing for your people," he amended, nodding towards Luminia and Shazza.
"Jaesa, set the fabricators to craft proper uniforms for each woman here who does not have them," Alex called out.
"As you wish, sir. The fabricators have begun production," Jaesa responded.
"Wait a sec. Don't you need measurements of us in order to do so?" Inari called out.
"I already have them Lt. Commander, via the video feeds of everyone aboard the ship. Don't worry, I'll make sure that everything fits properly," the AI responded gently.
"Oh. Well, all right then. We agree to these terms, sir. We will sleep on it, but the odds of us changing our minds on this are slim to none," Inari informed the big man.
"Understood, Lt. Commander. Though I would still advise everyone to take the night to think things through, to ensure that you're all doing this for the right reasons," he stated.
"Yes, sir," Inari responded with a salute. The rest of the crew was maybe a few seconds behind her, with Shazza and Luminia doing their best to mimic their salute. Alex saluted them back, coming to attention as he did so. With that, he broke his pose first and the rest of them followed his movement a heartbeat later. With that, they all dispersed, except Kas and Nats.
