The Fifth Reich: Beyond The Stars Read online

  "It got loose! I thought I had it sedated and dropped the containment field, but it flew away," she cried, getting to her feet.

  "What is it?" Sonya asked as she stood.

  "A fruit bat," Casana said as she ran off down the corridor after the bat.

  "Great," Sonya said, looking at Zira.

  ***

  Deck 19, Armory, 1600 hours Sonya sat down on the bench in the armory. She was totally exhausted, but at least she was in her normal uniform. Catching Casana's bat had taken more than an hour. Sonya, Casana, and Zira chased it through deck 14 and into one of the storage rooms. Eventually, the bat was too tired to fly and collapsed on the deck. It was now back in the Exobiology Lab. Zira sat down next to her, having changed into her standard uniform.

  "I kinda enjoyed that," she said happily.

  "What, the bat thing? That was a nightmare," Sonya sighed.

  "I thought humans loved animals." "Some animals. Dogs, cats, the occasional bird. Bats, not so much."

  "So, you like animals with fur, or animals that fly, but not both?" Zira laughed. Sonya just laughed along with her. As they continued talking, Lt. Toyama approached. When they noticed him, both Sonya and Zira stood at attention. "At ease," the lieutenant said. "Ensign Mueller, report."

  "I deployed my team in two pairs, sir. One remained at the torpedo launchers while the other patrolled our area of responsibility. The pairs exchanged duties every two hours, with Chief Zira and me taking the first patrol."

  "Any incidents?" he asked. Zira snickered. "On their first patrol, CPO Schultz and Crewman Becker noticed some technical issues in one of the storage rooms on deck 14, sir."

  "Anything else?" Toyama asked.

  "Well, sir, at approximately 1200 hours, we responded to a request for Security from the Exobiology Lab on deck 14."

  "Why did you not report this, Ensign?"

  "It was a... well, sir, it was a bat." "A bat?" Toyama said, raising his eyebrows.

  "Yes, sir. It had escaped from containment in the Exobiology Lab. As we entered, it flew past us into the hallway."

  "And?" "We assisted Ensign Olan in capturing the animal, and returned to patrol. There were no further incidents, sir." Sonya finished. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Zira trying to suppress a smile.

  "And how long did that take?"

  "About an hour, sir." "You spent an hour chasing a bat?" Toyama said, somewhat annoyed. Zira started to chuckle, struggling to maintain her composure.

  "Yes, sir."

  "What took so long?"

  "It was extremely agile, sir. Much too fast to catch by hand."

  "Then how did you catch it, Ensign?" Toyama asked her. "We... pursued it into a storage room, sir. It was small enough that we were able to keep the bat from landing to rest. Eventually, it was too exhausted to fly, sir. When it collapsed, Ensign Olan recovered it and returned it to the Exobiology Lab."

  "We ran that bastard into the ground, sir," Zira said, barely managing to get the words out.

  "You just chased it until it gave up?"

  "Yes, sir," Sonya said, looking at her feet. "Why didn't you just shoot it?" Toyama said, clearly upset now. Zira was unable to contain herself any longer and began laughing hysterically.

  "Sir, stun tasers are too powerful to stun the animal without killing it. A blast that weak would have almost no effect on a human-size target, so it was not designed to deliver one," Sonya said.

  "Set tasers to 'tickle'!" Zira said as she collapsed on the bench, holding her side.

  "So?" Toyama said.

  "Sir, I felt it was important to ensure the safety of the specimen."

  "And you spent an hour trying to secure it, instead?" Toyama nearly yelled, ignoring Zira.

  "Yes, sir." Sonya said.

  "Outstanding, Ensign," Toyama said, his face suddenly reassuring.

  "Sir?" Sonya was confused. "The Kriegsmarine's primary role is scientific. Exploration is our mission. Part of that is ensuring that specimen's be preserved whenever possible. You chose to expend a great deal of effort in order to do so, despite having a much easier method to solve the immediate problem. You made the right call, Ensign."

  "I want that bat alive!" Zira said, trying to breathe.

  "So, you aren't angry that we spent an hour chasing a bat?" Sonya said, still slightly wary. "Ensign, as an officer, it will sometimes be beneficial for you to conceal your true feelings, even from your subordinates," Toyama smiled. "Unlike some Senior Chief Petty Officers," he said, looking at Zira.

  "Thank you, sir."

  "Get some rest. You've had a long day, Ensign. Dismissed."

  "Aye, sir," Sonya said before heading for the turbo-lift. "Remember what I said about tonight!" Zira called, trying to catch her breath.

  6

  Five

  Deck 15, Aft Crew Lounge, 1730 hours After a quick shower, Sonya went to the Aft Crew Lounge. She felt much more relaxed than the first time she had been here. The lounge was somewhat less crowded than it had been that morning. Must have been the launch thought Sonya. She scanned the room, looking for Lina. She was sitting with her back to Sonya, watching the stars go by. Lina's hair was tied up into a bun behind her head, and she still wearing the same jacket and skirt. Sonya walked up next to her.

  "Is this seat taken?" she asked.

  "Sonya! I am so glad you came. No, this seat is free, but we aren't staying here," Lina smiled up a Sonya.

  "Oh? Where are we going?" Sonya asked as Lina stood. "You'll see. Follow me," Lina smiled. Taking Sonya's hand, Lina led her out of the room and headed to the turbolift. When they entered, Lina didn't speak. Instead, she entered their destination manually on the control panel.

  "You're being very secretive about this," Sonya observed.

  "Patience."

  "Can I at least get a hint?" Lina leaned over, whispering seductively in Sonya's ear. "It will make you sweat," she said, her lips grazing Sonya's earlobe. A shiver went down Sonya's spine, and she couldn't think straight. She was still trying to compose herself when Lina moved behind her. The Trisian brought her hands up, covering Sonya's eyes.

  "What are you doing?" She managed to squeak out. "I don't want you to know where we are going," she said. "Okay, go straight ahead," Lina commanded when the doors opened. She guided Sonya through the corridors. "Turn left. Okay, now right. Keep going. More. Stop. Face left. Now go forward." As Sonya stepped forward, she heard a door open in front of her. "Okay, open your eyes," Lina said as she removed her hands. What the hell? Sonya thought.

  They were in the ship's gymnasium.

  "Why are we in the gym?" she asked.

  "Well, I thought we might play a game," Lina answered, walking across the empty room.

  "Lina, this place should be full of people. Why is it empty?"

  "It's closed for... maintenance," she said.

  "Lina, we shouldn't be in here." "Relax. Captain Kurtz is a friend of my fathers. I asked him to let us have the room for a few hours. Now, are you going to play or not?"

  "What kind of game?" Sonya asked, staying still. "One you're good at. I was hoping you might teach me some things." She stopped next to a large, square mat on the floor, and Sonya realized where Lina was going.

  "You want to spar?" she smiled, approaching the mat.

  "No, I want to play a game."

  "Okay. What are we playing for?" "The winner gets to choose what we do next," Lina smiled. As Sonya neared her, Lina lift her shirt, revealing a white sleeveless top cut just below the navel. She removed her long skirt and shoes. All she was wearing was the top and long, loose white pants. She had a very thin, almost delicate physique and smooth, milky skin. Sonya thought she was gorgeous.

  "I see," Sonya said. As she passed Lina, she pulled off her uniform jacket and undershirt, leaving only her sports bra. She left her uniform pants on and bent over to remove her shoes. Sonya was more muscular, though she was still lean and athletic, her muscles visible under her deeply tanned skin as they flexed. "So, what are the ru
les?"

  "Simple. Grappling. No strikes, submission only. First to three wins," she said.

  "Alright then," Sonya smiled confidently as she tossed her shoes aside. "Let me know when you're ready." "Okay, let's begin," Lina nodded. They both raised their hands defensively and approached. As soon as she was in range, Sonya latched on to Lina's left shoulder with her right hand. She started to move her right leg forward, intending to move it behind Lina and sweep her to the ground, but before her foot left the mat, Lina reacted.

  Using her right hand, she grasped the outside of Sonya's right palm and brought her left up to Sonya's elbow. Lina shifted her weight back and put pressure on the elbow, forcing Sonya's arm to straighten and lock. She continued to push with her left hand, using her right to twist the arm. Sonya's shoulder rotated and locked. Lina stepped back with her right foot, forcing Sonya down to her hand and knees.

  Before Sonya could respond, Lina threw her left leg over Sonya's shoulder. Her foot came down in front of Sonya, leaving her twisted arm between Lina's legs. As soon as Lina's foot hit the mat, it came back up. This time, it caught Sonya in the chest and forced her backwards, slamming her back onto the mat.

  Lina followed her down, holding Sonya's arm tightly. When they landed, Lina moved her right leg over Sonya's torso and slid forward. She began to lean back, trapping Sonya's twisted arm between her legs, palm up. Lina pulled down on the arm, using her groin for leverage as she bent Sonya's elbow backwards. As soon as she did so, Sonya reached up with her left hand and tapped Lina's leg.

  Lina immediately released Sonya's arm and jumped to her feet. She stood over Sonya, offering her a hand up. "That's one for me! Are you okay?" she smiled innocently.

  "You're what's known as a ' ringer'," Sonya said as she took the hand. It was soft and delicate, and Sonya felt a charge whenever they touched.

  "When I said my father knows the Captain, what I meant was my father killed two Dracs in hand-to-hand combat to save him," Lina smiled.

  "And he taught his little girl how to take care of herself," Sonya said, rubbing her shoulder. Lina just nodded. "Well, two can play that game."

  They closed again. This time, Lina moved first. Her right hand went for Sonya's left shoulder, but Sonya intercepted it with her left hand. Stepping behind Lina, Sonya brought her right arm under Lina's and grasped her right hand with both hands. She twisted and pulled down, using Lina's locked arm as leverage to force her onto her toes. With Lina off balance, Sonya dropped her weight slightly and pushed her hips backwards. She rolled Lina over her hip, hurling her to the mat.

  Sonya dropped to the mat, pressing her shin against Lina head and forcing it to the side. Lina immediately tapped her hand on Sonya's knee. Sonya stood, helping Lina up. "We're even," she said proudly.

  "We're just starting," she said. She came at Sonya, and again Sonya intercepted Lina's right with her left. This time, Sonya slid her hand down to Lina's. She pressed into Lina's right elbow with her right hand and pushed forward with her left against Lina's right palm, forcing the forearm back against the upper arm, palm up. She made a fist with her right hand and forced it into Lina's elbow joint. As she pushed against Lina's palm, her right arm acted as a fulcrum, pulling the elbow apart.

  Lina tapped Sonya's side before any damage was done, and Sonya released her. "A standing submission. Very nice," Lina said.

  Instead of responding, Sonya came at her, reaching for Lina's shoulders. She grasped them, but Lina grabbed hers. Lina dropped herself backwards, pulling Sonya forward. She planted her foot in Sonya's abdomen, hurling Sonya over her and onto the mat. Sonya landed hard on her back. Lina was on her feet immediately and grabbed Sonya's right arm. She twisted it against her leg, pressing against the elbow with her knee.

  Sonya tapped on her foot, and Lina released her. "Last point," Lina said. "Let's finish this," she smiled. Sonya lunged forward with her right hand. Lina pushed it aside with her right. Grabbing on, she pulled Sonya off balance and pushed her left knee into the back of Sonya's, forcing her to her knees. Lina snaked her right arm in front of Sonya's neck and pushed against the back of her head with the left, cutting off circulation. Sonya knew she had only seconds before losing consciousness and reacted instinctively.

  She reached back with her right arm and grasped Lina's knee. Pulling it forward, used her powerful legs the force them up and back. Sonya lifted herself up with Lina on her back, and used all her strength to force them back down. They slammed down against the mat, crushing Lina's body beneath Sonya. But she held on, and Sonya's vision began to narrow and darken. As her consciousness began to fade, she tapped on Lina's elbow.

  Lina relaxed her right arm and released the pressure with her left. But instead of letting go, she crossed her left arm over her right, resting them on Sonya's chest. She breathed out a deep sigh of relief and rested her head against the mat. Sonya brought her arms up placing her hands on Lina's, pressing her fingers between the blonde's.

  "I guess you win," she said, trying to catch her breath. Lina lifted her head up, her mouth against Sonya's ear.

  "Your mine tonight," she whispered, nibbling on Sonya's earlobe. "I can't wait," Sonya smiled happily. They lay on the mat resting for several minutes before gathering their clothes and leaving.

  7

  Six

  Deck 9, 1830 hours

  "Wow," Sonya gasped as she entered Lina's room.

  "Do you like it?" she said.

  "It's huge! This is four times the size of my quarters!" "This is the Ambassadorial Quarters. It's reserved for high-profile passengers like ambassadors and diplomats," Lina said proudly.

  "And the daughters of the Captain's friends?" Sonya said as she wandered around the room.

  "Exactly."

  "Where's the bedroom? And the head?" "Oh, they're in different rooms. Here, let me show you," Lina said. She led Sonya across the room and passed through a doorway. Sonya found herself in the bedroom. One wall was a floor to ceiling window with retracted shutters. The suite was on the top of the bow, giving an unobstructed view forward from the ship. The bed was against the far wall. Above it, a massive, elaborate, brilliantly colored painting hung on the wall. Dressers and a mirror were of the wall opposite the doorway, and a pair of chairs sat at the foot of the bed, facing the window. The bed itself was huge, with numerous large pillows. Sonya stared at the painting.

  "This is amazing," she said.

  "Do you like it?" Lina asked.

  "Very much." "It's by an Kandorian artist named V'Shar. His work is heavily influenced by Human Impressionism and Centuri Fractalism."

  "That's an interesting mix," Sonya commented. "I like contradictions," Lina smiled. "Like you," she added, placing a hand on Sonya's shoulder. Sonya turned to face her, and Lina pressed her lips against Sonya's, her arms around the taller woman's neck. The Ensign wrapped an arm around Lina's waist and pulled her closer. Her other hand went to the back of Lina's head.

  The kiss was long and slow, with each woman exploring the other's mouth, lips, and tongue. Sonya loved the softness of Lina's mouth She let her hands drift down, squeezing Lina's ass before moving back up, under her shirt. Lina pushed against her slightly, and Sonya stepped backwards. When she felt something soft on the back of her knees, she sat. Lina barely broke their embrace, following her down and straddling Sonya's thighs.

  Sonya broke the kiss, and nibbled her way down Lina's face and neck to the collar bone. As she kissed and licked along it, Sonya's hands began to lift Lina's shirt. The Trisian lifted her arms and Sonya stopped her exploration of Lina's collar to lift the shirt up and off, tossing it to the floor. The shirt had not hit the ground when Sonya lowered her head to Lina's breast. As she nipped at the soft flesh her hand moved to the other breast, gently squeezing it.

  Sonya massaged the large, firm mounds for several minutes, being careful to avoid the small nipples. When she finally did take one between her teeth, Lina nearly screamed. She brought her hands up to the back of Sonya's head, pulling her closer. Then,
to Sonya's surprise, Lina pushed her down onto her back. Sonya looked up at her in confusion.

  "Take your clothes off, and lie on the bed. Face down," Lina said in a husky voice as she climbed off the bed. Sonya opened her mouth to speak, but Lina silenced her by placing a single finger on her mouth. "I won. I get to choose what we do," she smiled. Sonya responded by licking and sucking on Lina's finger, drawing a moan from the blonde.

  Lina pulled away, and went over to one of the dressers. While Sonya removed her shirt and pants, she watched Lina take a small metal box out of one of the drawers. Lina walked back to the bed and placed the box on the nightstand. Wearing only her black panties, Sonya lay down in the middle of the massive bed. Resting her head on the pillows, she watched as Lina opened the box and removed two white gloves. She carefully put them on and pressed a button on the inside of the box. When she did, the palms and fingertips of the gloves turned pink and began to glow.

  Lina crawled across the bed towards Sonya. "Close your eyes and relax," she said soothingly. Lina positioned herself on top of Sonya, straddling her upper legs. As gently as possible, she ran her fingertips down the back of Sonya's neck.

  The moment she made contact, Sonya's neck muscles contracted violently, wrenching her neck and causing her to cry out in surprise and pain. "Aah! What the fuck was that?" she cried.

  "Sorry," Lina said sheepishly. "I had it on the wrong setting." She reached over to the box and removed a control pad. She typed a few commands into it and set it back on the nightstand. "Okay, let's try this again, shall we?"

  "I don't know. I'm not sure I trus- oh god!" Sonya was cut off when Lina ran her fingers back over her neck. Sonya felt her neck muscles relax immediately. As Lina's fingers moved over Sonya's skin, they left behind a tingling sensation. The tingling quickly became warmth, and from that warmth spread a relaxed, heavenly pleasure. The sensation spread from the point where Lina's fingers had been, quickly fading. As Lina's fingers moved across Sonya's skin, it left brief trail of pleasure, like the wake of a boat on a calm lake.