Happy New Year!
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POV: Mark Shephard
Marcos zoomed in on the Florera system station. The sight was anticlimactic, to say the least. The planet behind it, where the colony of Florera was located, was a green, Earth-like planet, but its orbital infrastructure was pathetic.
"Well, now that we have arrived at the Florera Colonial Defense Zone," Marcos said. "I have to say that this station looks like it's held together with duct tape and hope."
The station was a squat, cube-like mass of steel and bolted-on modules, all sharp angles and a handful of exposed trusses. It had ten docking bays ringed its midsection, most occupied by local haulers and a single lightly-armed Light Corvette that was about 170 meters and had clearly seen better days.
I took a seat on my chair, Lyra still on my lap, and sent a direct communication request to the Dolores.
"Miss Alvarez," I said as Alexandria's face and upper torso appeared on the screen before me. "I think this completes my end of the deal. I'll be holding my current position until final payment is confirmed."
Alexandria looked a bit surprised at the sight of Lyra clinging to me while sitting on my lap. I looked down at Lyra and noticed that she was staring at the screen with awe and a finger halfway in her mouth. I moved her hand away from her mouth, prompting her to look up at me in confusion, to which I simply shook my head "no."
"Well, you seem to have acquainted yourself with the child rather quickly," Alexandria said. "The transaction is almost done being processed. I think you should follow along and dock for a day or two. The station might not look like much, but there are a good number of stores in there. I'm pretty sure some of them sell children's clothes."
I nodded slowly, considering her offer. "How much is the docking fee?"
Alexandria chuckled for a second before composing herself. "It's not much, 250 credits per day. It's nothing in comparison to what you will pay in Nova Celeste."
I looked down at Lyra, who looked up at me. Now that I noticed, Lyra didn't have any clothing other than the rags she had when I rescued her, and the small set of clothes she had on right now. Another thing wafted its way up my nose the moment I noticed her clothing, 'I don't know how I didn't notice before, but she also needs a bath bad, like last week, level of bad.'
"Alright, I guess a day or two on the station can't really hurt much," I said, looking back up to Alexandria.
"Great!" Alexandria said with a clap of her hands. "I'll let the station know."
The call was ended, and I stood up from my chair. "Hey, Marcos. Mind taking control of the ship?"
"Sure thing," he replied, pretending to take my seat.
I chuckled and left the bridge, carrying Lyra to my room. I made my way into the bathroom before stopping and thinking about what I was about to do. "Hey Marcos, you mind lending me a hand?"
Marcos materialized in front of me, which spooked me.
"I didn't know you could materialize in the bathroom..." I stated in a low voice.
"Oh brother, do I have news for you," Marcos chirped. "I have free rein to materialize anywhere in the Shepherd."
I closed my eyes and felt shivers running down my spine at the revelation. "Does that mean that you've-"
"Seen you shower?" He interrupted. "Nope, I know what boundaries are, and I'm not all that interested in human biology."
"Oh," I let out. "Well, I think you're about to become interested. I need you to show little Lyra how to shower, if she doesn't know how to. Also, how to use the amenities in the bathroom."
"Tch, tch, tch," Marcos pretended to suck his teeth and appeared to ponder my request. "While I understand how the act of giving her a bath will be rather... uncomfortable for you, it is something you must do. After all, children aren't known for being able to scrub themselves correctly. Also, the chances of a child drowning while unsupervised in a tub are too high to risk."
I felt my heart drop at his words. I barely have any experience with children, let alone bathing one that is not even related to me. "Marcos, I think that the word 'uncomfortable' would be the understatement of the century."
He put his hands on his hips and gave me an apathetic smile. "It's all part of the process of fatherhood."
"Fatherhood?" I asked. "I'm not ready to be a father figure, let alone be an actual father. Plus, I already said we weren't keeping her. I may have guilt eating at me for what I've done, but I'll be dropping her off in an orphanage the moment we reach Nova Celeste."
"Really?" Marcos deadpanned at me. "You say you're not ready to be a father, yet you've been ferrying little Lyra around in your arms for the past twenty minutes."
Thirty minutes later, I was drying off a soaking wet Lyra. Giving her a bath was far easier and far more uncomfortable than I thought it would be. She stood still and didn't pull away while I washed and brushed her hair, so I was thankful for that.
I dressed her in the same clothes she had just been wearing. Marcos had done me the favor of washing and drying them in the time it took me to give Lyra a proper bath. Now she smelled like strawberries, which is weird considering how strawberries don't have a smell to them until you cut them open.
I slipped on the fluffy slippers on her feet. I had taken the liberty of making them while Marcos healed her sight. I then showed her how to brush her teeth in front of the sink, and she imitated me perfectly and giggled when it came time to gargle the mouthwash.
I then heard the sound of her stomach grumbling, which reminded me that she wasn't an engineered human that could spend a week to a month without eating after a single meal. So I motioned for her to follow me to the cafeteria.
I walked ahead, and she followed behind me, looking around at the corridors and skipping every once in a while to catch up to my strides. I was walking far slower than usual, but that didn't make much of a difference due to the fact that she was shorter than most girls her age. Lyra stood at a height of only 3 feet 8 inches, when girls her age would average at about 4 feet 2 inches.
We had just entered the cafeteria when Marcos materialized in front of us, this time spooking Lyra, who quickly went to hide behind my legs. She then came out when she got a good sight of Marcos, and went to hug him, almost slamming into the ground when she phased right through him.
I acted quickly and grabbed onto the back of her shirt, preventing her from hitting the ground. She looked at me with a look of surprise before giggling softly.
"Not ready to be a father, you say," Marcos stated with a raised eyebrow. "Anyways, I wanted to inform you that two hundred and ten thousand Imperial Credits have been transferred to your account. The full commission includes the engine replacement fee and has the initial escort payment of fifty thousand subtracted from it."
"Good," I said. "But try not to scare Lyra like that again."
"She'll have plenty of time to get used to my sudden appearances," Marcos stated matter-of-factly. "And it seems like giving her a bath has suddenly made your cold heart warm up to her and become a tad bit protective."
I stared at his avatar for a few seconds before he continued talking. "Anyways, your new balance is now 439,867 Imperial Credits... We're about twenty minutes away from the station, meaning I'll need you back on the bridge in fifteen. Please do enjoy your meal."
I sighed mentally before moving to the breakfast station, Lyra following close behind me.
"Alright, kiddo," I said, picking her up and setting her down on the counter of the breakfast station. I pointed to the machine in front of me and said, "This is the cereal dispenser."
I grabbed a bowl and showed her how to use it, letting her try it for herself once I was done. She giggled with awe as the cereal landed inside her bowl. I then showed her the beverage dispenser, choosing orange juice, and I let it rain on my cereal.
Lyra innocently copied what I did, choosing orange juice to dispense on her cereal. I then handed her a spoon, and the rest didn't need to be taught.
"Mhmm," I heard a sigh of pleasure escape Lyra as she savored the cereal.
"Huh, you like it?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "And here I was thinking it was more of an acquired taste."
Lyra was, surprisingly, quite the neat eater. Something truly unheard of in children, as most tended to use their food as weapons, they could just throw it all over the place. We quickly finished our cereal, and she raised the bowl in front of me, pointing to the breakfast station.
"You want more?" I asked.
Lyra, to my surprise, nodded her head yes, something that caught me a bit off guard, to say the least.
"Well... you're a growing kid," I said. I then nodded, "I guess it wouldn't hurt you to have another bowl."
It was a heartwarming sight to see her get off the chair and almost sprint towards the breakfast station. She prepared herself a second serving of cereal with orange juice. She went to sit, but I motioned her to follow me instead.
"Don't get used to it," I said as I looked down at her. "Eating too much is bad for you."
I made my way back to the bridge of the ship, Lyra on my heels. I motioned for Lyra to sit in the co-pilot's chair, and I took a seat in my chair. Twenty seconds later, I got a communication request from the station, which I accepted.
"Hello there," a blue-haired woman said as she appeared before me. "This is Station Flora's traffic control. I have been informed that your ship is escorting the three freighters bringing supplies to the colony. If you would be so kind as to verify your identity."
"Sure thing," I said. "My name's Mark Shephard, piloting the Heavy Frigate Strathos' Shepherd. I was hired by Miss Alexandria Alvarez for an escort mission here from B-147."
The woman nodded as if she was confirming the information I was giving her with what she had. "Alright. And if you wouldn't mind stating your purpose for docking with the freighters you escorted and how long you plan to stay."
"Just going to buy some things," I said, "Maybe some clothes, food, a few other things, and then I'll get out of your hair."
The woman nodded once again before instructing me. "Okay. You may proceed to docking bay 9- Oh my God, what an adorable daughter you have."
I turned to see Lyra, who had managed to sneak away from the co-pilot's chair and stood behind me, a bowl of cereal in her hands. She then made her way around me, handed me her bowl, and climbed up on top of my leg, grabbing her bowl of cereal from my hands once she was done accommodating herself.
I only gave the woman a chuckle with a slight nod as I ended the connection.
"See, I'm not the only one who thinks you're a father," Marcos said through the ship's intercom.
"Marcos, please don't start," I sighed.
"I'm not starting anything," he said, the tone of defence in his words. "I'm just saying that little Lyra seems to have gotten quite familiar and comfortable in the few hours she's known you."
"Kids don't know boundaries," I replied.
"And yet you're unbothered by the lack of them," he stated. "Very fatherly-like."
"Marcos..." I sighed. "Just put the topic to bed for the time being."
Marcos stayed quiet after that, and I watched as the freighters drifted forward into their docks, maneuvering thrusters coughing little jets of gas. Their approach was painfully slow, especially in comparison to mine. I was docked and ready to disembark while they were still shifting into place.
"Alright, Marcos, I leave the Shepherd in your care," I said. Lyra was still perched on my lap, quietly munching on her cereal, which was miraculously staying in the bowl.
"Sure thing. Enjoy your shopping trip, 'Dad,'" Marcos chirped through the intercom.
I ignored the last bit and stood up, carefully settling Lyra on the chair. "Stay put for just a second, okay?"
She looked at me, confused, before continuing to wolf down what remained in her bowl.
I thought of wearing a different set of clothes, a black bomber jacket, khaki cargo pants, and a pair of black magnetic boots. My clothing shifted to take a different shape, and I debated equipping my rifle. After my last experience on the station of Eidolon Reach, I had become just a tad bit paranoid about leaving the Shepherd in any station.
I eventually came to the conclusion that I needed something for self-defense, just not something so powerful. I equipped the pistol I had bought on B-147 and tucked it into my waistband. Then I scooped Lyra up under one arm and made my way off the ship.
The station's corridors were nothing to be admired. They were narrow, in comparison to those of B-147, and smelled of stale frying oil and ozone. They weren't brightly lit either, but the ambient light was enough to see the endless parade of mismatched steel plating and exposed wiring. Lyra's head swiveled around constantly, taking in all of the new, grimy sights.
We took a small, rattling lift down a level and emerged into the station's commercial district. It was a chaotic mix of vendor stalls crammed between permanent storefronts, selling everything from used ship parts to cheap synthetic foodstuffs and, thankfully, clothing.
I spotted a storefront with a faded holo-sign that read, 'Flora Fashions: All Ages!' Although it was still sketchy by my standards, it looked slightly less questionable than the other surrounding stalls.
"Alright, kiddo. Let's get you some proper clothes," I muttered, pushing the door open.
The inside of the store was a riot of color, consisting mostly of cheap synthetic clothing, but at least it was clean. A short, stout woman with bright purple hair and a synthetic leather apron looked up from behind a counter that had been stacked high with folded shirts.
"Welcome to Flora Fashions! Findin' somethin' for the little tyke, are we?" she asked, her voice surprisingly warm.
"Yeah. Everything," I replied, setting Lyra down. She immediately grabbed onto my trouser leg. "She's a little small for her age. I don't know what you would recommend."
The woman, whose name tag read 'Kendra', gave Lyra a quick once-over. "A four, maybe a small five for the height. Follow me and I'll show you around."
Kendra led us to a rack of children's clothes. "Let's start with some basics. Gotta get her some underthings, socks, and everyday wear."
I let Lyra pick out her underwear while I picked out a couple of packs of colorful socks. The real challenge began with the outer clothes.
"This is all up to you, Lyra," I said, gesturing vaguely at a rack filled with synthetic dresses and trousers.
Lyra clung to my leg as she pondered for a little while. She then pointed a tiny finger at a simple, bright blue dress adorned with small embroidered white flowers.
"Good choice," I said. It was nothing fancy, but it looked practical. "Let's try it on."
Kendra directed us to a small changing booth. This was where the uncomfortable part of the bath came rushing back.
"Hey, would you be willing to do me the favor of helping her change?" I asked Kendra.
"I guess you must be kinda new to this whole parenting thing," Kendra responded. "No sane parent ever lets their child in a changing room alone with a stranger."
Oh, the irony of that statement, but there was nothing I could really say to refute it. I carefully helped Lyra out of her current outfit and into the dress. It was a perfect fit.
When she stepped out of the changing room and looked at herself in the slightly warped, full-length mirror, her eyes widened in a silent gasp. She twirled awkwardly, her face splitting into a dazzling, pure smile that made something knot inside my chest.
"You like it?" I asked, a gruffness in my voice I hadn't intended.
She nodded rapidly, hugging the fabric on her chest. I was, once again, caught off guard by what was now the second time I had asked her something, and she seemed to understand the words coming out of my mouth.
We went through several more outfits. A pair of durable, light-grey trousers and a deep-red shirt, a light-green tunic with leggings, and more things. With each item, Lyra's reaction was the same: pure, unadulterated joy. She was seeing herself in new clothes; this entire trip was a new experience for her, and she was loving every second of it.
"What about something to sleep in?" Kendra suggested, holding up a soft, fuzzy pink pajama set with a cartoon alien printed on the front.
"Pajamas," I said to Lyra while pointing to the set of clothes.
Lyra reached out and stroked the fabric tentatively. I helped her try it on. When she looked in the mirror, she immediately burrowed her face into the soft synthetic fluff, giggling. It was such a small and innocent gesture, yet it sent a strange warmth spreading through me, and a revelation hit me. I was witnessing a profound, simple pleasure of a little girl who deserved a life that wasn't covered in grime and fear.
I found myself picking out a second, warmer jacket, a sweatshirt, and a small, brightly colored backpack. 'She needs a place to put her things.' I rationalized. 'If she's going to an orphanage, she needs to arrive with her own belongings.' But the thought of her arriving at that orphanage, clutching that backpack, now gave me a sharp, unwelcome pang of guilt.
After about forty minutes, the counter was stacked high with clothes, a few essential toiletries for her, and even a couple of synthetic plush toys Kendra had thrown in as a 'first-customer' discount.
"That'll be 1,870 Imperial Credits," Kendra said, totaling the purchase.
I pretended to dig in my pockets, summoning my banking card, which I handed over. I didn't even flinch at the price, as seeing Lyra standing there in her new blue dress, proudly carrying her small, empty backpack, sent a jolt through me.
"Thank you, Kendra," I said, adjusting the strap of the large bag of clothes over my shoulder.
"You take care of that little doll, now," Kendra said with a knowing look.
"I'll try," I found myself replying, without thinking.
"There is no try, there is only do. I know you'll do a good job," Kendra said while smiling.
I nodded at her and picked Lyra up again, making our way quickly back through the station's grimy corridors to Docking Bay 9. We dropped Lyra's new things off at the Shepherd before leaving it once again.
We found our way to a nice little restaurant that had caught my eye. The sign read 'Tatsumi Organic Ramen,' so of course, I had to check it out. I was more than shocked to see that the ramen inside was all organic, as had been advertised. I chose a spicy Miso Ramen for myself and was about to get regular Miso Ramen for Lyra when I saw her upset look. So I ordered the same for her.
We were forced to pay first before getting our meals. Each one of our bowls of ramen was worth 150 credits, meaning this meal was a luxury. Once our meals arrived, I taught Lyra how to eat with Chopsticks. She was quick to learn what I had shown her, another thing that had surprised me.
The ramen was really good, if I had to be honest, up there with some of the best I had ever eaten. I used the plastic ladle and brought it to my lips, drinking the broth, letting out a delighted sigh. Lyra mirrored my actions to a tee, something that made me rethink if I really wanted to just drop her off at some random orphanage. 'It's for her own good,' I told myself, but something inside me slowly twisted, knowing it was a straight-up lie.
We spent some more time exploring the commercial district of the station, buying a few more things, and even getting multiple gallons of what they claimed to be "Real Cow Milk." By the time we returned to the Shepherd, my account's balance had decreased to 433,495 credits.
I unloaded everything we bought in their dedicated spaces. I had contemplated just giving Lyra her own room, but the crew quarters were just too big and solitary for her. Eventually, Marcos informed me that the second floor of my room also contained a folding bed, which came from one of the wall panels. So I decorated the second floor of my room with the things I had bought for Lyra.
I made my way to the bridge with Lyra hot on my toes and sat her down in the co-pilot's seat, strapping her in securely as she clutched a new plush toy, a purple, three-eyed alien, in one hand.
I took my seat and got the Shepherd ready to leave. A few seconds later, we got a communication request from the station. A man appeared on my screen as I accepted.
He gave me a nod before speaking. "Strathos' Shepherd, you are cleared for departure. Safe journeys."
The light jolt of the heavy frigate pulling away from the magnetic dock was noticeable, and we started to pull away. Lyra's head turned to watch the Florera station shrink in the display of the viewport.
I looked over at Lyra, who was watching some cartoons Marcos had played on her display. There was a contented, sleepy look on her face as she watched the cartoons with reverence. I noticed that there was a strand of hair near her eyes, so I reached out and gently moved it.
"Not ready to be a father, huh?" I whispered to myself, watching the little girl sleepily hug her new alien toy.
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AN: 17 Advanced Chapters available on my Patreon! Crimson_Reapr is the name, and writing Scifi is the way.