Chapter 01: Welcome Aboard
The ship cut its way silently through the vacuum of space, though traveling faster than light. It was cylindrical in shape, tapering to a rounded nose where the cockpit could be found.
Captain Jade was there, sitting in the pilot's seat and letting her mind wander as she watched the boards to make sure nothing went amiss. [The Wanderer] was not an especially large ship, and she boasted a crew of only six people, but they were a highly dedicated crew, and as good at their jobs as she could have hoped for.
First, there was Captain Jade herself. A beautiful woman with skin the color of ivory, brilliant green eyes, and fiery red hair. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and knew how to go about getting it.
Next was her first officer, Andrew Steele. He was a man whose exquisitely chiseled features were only enhanced by the combination of steel grey eyes and raven black hair. He knew his way around both a gun and a woman's body with practiced ease.
Then there were the twins-- Alexis and Ariana. A couple of teenaged pixies, identical in every way with chestnut-brown hair and chocolate-brown eyes. They may have been only eighteen, but they could take an engine apart and put it back together inside of two hours.
Of course, every ship needs a medic. Jack had signed on with [The Wanderer] straight out of medical school. In his mid-twenties, he was already brilliant. He was also more than just pleasant to look at. He was a veritable Adonis. Wavy golden hair, twinkling hazel eyes, tanned but not baked skin, and an even, white smile. He even had dimples. They just added to his boyish charm.
Last, but not least, there was Richard Johnson- ship's cook, unofficial counselor, and all around morale officer. Not only could he cook the favorite meal of every crew member to perfection, he would listen to their problems and come up with the perfect solution or form of therapy while he did it. Of course, it didn't hurt at all that he worked out in his spare time and had the body to prove it.
On this particular night (though [could] it be called night out here in the depths of space?) Jade hadn't been able to sleep and so had decided to take her watch early, sending Alexis to bed. Jade didn't mind in the least. This was her favorite time of night. Things were quiet, lights were dim, and she could think without being disturbed.
Usually her thoughts centered on her crew, things she needed to do for the ship, supplies she needed to obtain, cargo she might be hauling, or passengers she may be transporting. Tonight, though, she was thinking about her destination and what had happened the last time she was there.
Jade's ship was currently on its way to the vacation planet Krystelle to deliver cargo to one of the luxury resorts there. In fact, it was the biggest, most expensive resort on the whole planet. However, the business manager was an acquaintance and had specifically requested her crew for the job.
Even though they were still a whole day away, it was with that resort manager that Jade's thoughts rested. The last time Jade had been to Krystelle, she'd noticed a new lounge that had opened on the strip. Upscale and high-class, it looked like a place she could enjoy. She had found a place at a small table in a dark corner where she could enjoy her drink while listening to the music of the piano player near the bar.
Before long, her solitude had been broken by a rich baritone voice asking if the other seat at her table was taken. Not much as far as opening lines went, but when Jade glanced up to see who had spoken, she was immediately taken by the handsome features and the gentle smile of the man looking down at her.