Sang the Stray (Completed)

53. Pampered

North came out in uniform, covered from the neck down.   Sigh.  I made the extra effort to keep my gaze at least from the waist up.  The three of us worked together to make breakfast.  Although, North kept taking over my tasks.  When the grease from the protein strips popped,  he shuffled me over to prevent me from getting burned. Then when I was scrambling tern eggs (Tarens don't have chickens, but someone collects eggs from the gulls and terns that nest on the black Konna sea cliffs), North scooted me out of the way to finish.  It was annoying, but kinda sweet, too.  At least I managed the pancakes on my own.  He only pursed his lips slightly when I tossed the chocolate chips in.

 I thought, maybe, I should apologize so I sent him a private message as we filled our plates and sat down to eat.

******

Interface Channel: private

Users: S💝, N😠rth

S: Sorry about walking in.  

N: It's okay.

S: But I should send alert first.  

N: It's Nathan's fault. Don't worry about it. 

S: Do you still like me?

N: Yes.  Do you still like me?

S: Yes. So....do you always sleep nude when you alone?

Long pause, in which North leveled an intense gaze at me across the table. Then...

N: Why are you asking?

S: Uh, I not know.

N: You don't know why you are asking or you are asking because you don't know?

S: Um...both?

Another pause, in which North wiped his hand down his face and dove into eating his eggs.

S: know what? nevermind. that too personal.

N: You can always ask me or tell me anything.  I'll always be here for you, Baby. 

Finally, he looked back up at me.  Then sent...

N: And, I'll tell you sometime..later...😉

*******

Kota and the others came in, letting us know we needed to get ready for the assigned Rotations.  Nathan and I took turns in the Goo Showers to get our uniforms and then we were on our way to the Gate Lock.  Tsee Blackbourne and Ista Green met us there.  Sean greeted me with an extra warm smile.  I think he only refrained from something more because Tsee Blackbourne started issuing orders as soon as we stepped off the elevator.

"As I mentioned before we are going to be splitting the Squad for these two Rotations.  Tsen Lee, you will lead the Castle Rotation with both Tsen and Tset Taylor,  Tset Coleman and Tset Korba.  I will lead Bridges Rotation with Ista Green, Tset Morgan, and Tset Griffen.  The first group will head out with Miss Sorenson.  The second group will clear Taren near-space while we wait for your arrival back here.  Then Miss Sorenson will accompany the second group to Bridges Space.   Tsen Lee, make sure your team enhances only as necessary to preserve Miss Sorenson's strength." He looked around at all of us, then asked,  "Any questions?"

Kota said, "A group of Ena Manipulation and Gate Sight talents will be making a trip to see how the Gates to the Pillar space are holding.  As you all know from the report released last kaone, the Pillar Space is believed to be rotational and expected to return in the next Kai or so.  Once my group returns from Castle Rotation, we could join that investigation."

Tsee Blackbourne deferred to Ista Green, "Do you think that will be okay?"

Sean replied, "Make sure to eat a few energy bars and rest at least twenty joden before leaving.  Sorenson, you will do the same before leaving with the second group. I'll conduct a quick scan when you return to near-space, but you should be fine."