Interstellar Monitor: Pantheon of Fates

Copyright © 2009 Eugene Patrick Ruisi

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-1-4401-7235-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4401-7236-6 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 07/17/2017

Contents

Part I - Colonial Relations

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Part II - Fuzlek Prime

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Part III - Divine Mandates

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Part I

Colonial Relations

*****

Chapter 1

Captain Zeta Smith’s log: Earthdate August 29, 2441, 1300 hours. The IERS Monitor has just entered orbit of Devoe III, also known as the Skillman Colony. It is a planet in the Devoe System and a member of the Interstellar Earth Republic. The Skillman Colony also has the distinction of being the birthplace of our own Lieutenant Sarah Russinelli who was also raised there. Devoe III is a planet with an oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere, and it is the third planet in the Devoe star system. The population of the Skillman Colony is approximately 1.5 million inhabitants. The Monitor is here to drop off supplies for the colony. It is also here to grant shore leave for officers and crew, because the Monitor has pulled in long hauls in recent months. Furthermore, we are here to pick up our new helmsman and CASO, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee. She was dropped off at the colony by the IERS Zalifax. I am glad that we will finally have a formal helmsman aboard ship again, and from what I have heard, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee is one of the best helmsman in the fleet.

Smith was sitting in his bridge office and reviewing various reports that officers had handed in. The door beeped, and he said: Enter.

Lieutenant Mustafa Abdul Hamid swung the heavy metal door open and entered the room. He then closed the door behind himself with a metallic thud. Ever since Hamid had been promoted to the rank of lieutenant three months earlier, he had done well in his duties and Smith had come to depend on him more.

Smith looked at Hamid. Yes Mr. Hamid, what is it?

Hamid cleared his throat. Sir, you wanted me to inform you at 1300 hours that it was time for us to head down to the transport deck. We will then take the transport shuttle to the capital city to meet with Colonial Governor Rastelli.

Smith nodded. Ah yes, very well. We should go then.

Smith put down the reports and left his bridge office. He entered the bridge and found Commander Dennis Masilleo in the command chair, and said: Commander Masilleo, I am going to meet Governor Rastelli on the planet below. I want you to greet our new helmsman and CASO. Show her around, remind her of regulations, and introduce her to fellow officers.

Yes sir, she is coming in right now. I will head down to the transport deck with you, Masilleo said, and then stood up and turned to the communications station. Mr. Clayton, you have the bridge.

Aye sir, Lieutenant Gary Clayton replied.

Clayton walked over and sat in the command chair, while Masilleo joined Smith and Hamid in the hyperlift. The hyperlift headed down to the transport deck. Smith spoke to Masilleo while in the hyperlift. So what do you think of this Bethany Rhee?

Masilleo then spoke in an official, but optimistic tone. Well sir, I hear she is one of the best pilots around. She has quick reflexes and never flinches during a crunch situation.

Smith spoke frankly. Well, if she is all that, she will fit right in.

Masilleo then remembered something. Do you want me to regulate command duties, sir? I am sure you would like to spend some time with Lieutenant Russinelli down on the colony. After all, this is her home colony.

Smith didn’t move for a moment and cleared his throat. Well, I am not sure Commander. I will have to get back to you on that.

Of course sir, Masilleo responded.

The hyperlift finally stopped and they arrived on the transport deck. The transport deck doors were open, but a forcefield prevented the air from leaving the deck. A transport shuttle had just entered and landed in the middle of the deck.

Masilleo smirked. It looks like our young helmsman has arrived.

Smith nodded and looked at the transport shuttle. He walked over to it followed by Masilleo and Hamid. The three of them were filled with anticipation of meeting this new addition to the officers aboard the ship. The transport shuttle hatch opened and out stepped Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee.

She was five feet and six inches tall in height. She had dark brown hair that was well combed and made into a pony tail. She had soft fair skin with small sweet brown eyes that were like almonds of joy and beauty. Her eyes were all the more beautiful with her eyelids enhanced with blue eye shadow. She was wearing white shorts that showed off her long fair legs with white sneakers. She was also wearing a blue sports bra that held back her C cup size breasts that would tantalize just about anyone of the male gender. She was pure beauty. Her face with her beautiful eyes seemed to reach into their very souls. Her legs were a major distraction, as were her breasts. Her hair seemed warm and comforting looking and her skin glistened with beauty.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee was born in Seoul, Korea on Earth. At first, Smith, Masilleo and Hamid were speechless. She noticed this, but Smith quickly regained himself. "Ah, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee. I am Captain Zeta Smith of the IERS Monitor. Welcome to the Monitor."

Smith shook hands with her and Rhee shook Smith’s hand gracefully.

Rhee then spoke with a sweet female voice that was in the form of an American accent, and had a touch of softness, but also indicated a mighty intellect. Thank you Captain, it is an honor to be your new official helmsman and CASO.

CASO was an acronym for Chief Air Space Officer. It was the title that Lieutenant Hamid had formally held before he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and assigned to the position of tactical officer.

Smith nodded. I would like to introduce you to the XO, Commander Dennis Masilleo.

She then shook Masilleo’s hand, and said: Commander.

Lieutenant J.G., Masilleo replied quickly.

Smith then introduced Hamid. Also, here is Lieutenant Mustafa Abdul Hamid, our tactical officer.

Hamid grinned and shook her hand. Hello CASO.

Hello TO, Rhee responded respectfully.

Smith smiled with an uncertain smile, because he was still unsettled by Rhee’s unbelievable beauty. He pulled himself together, and spoke with a confident voice. Well, Mr. Hamid and I are heading down to the planet. Commander Masilleo will settle you in.

Rhee nodded. Thank you sir.

Masilleo gestured with his right hand. This way, Lieutenant J.G.

Masilleo escorted Rhee out of the transport deck.

Smith then whispered to Hamid. Well, I didn’t know our new helmsman would be that much of a distraction.

Hamid smiled. If I wasn’t going steady with Sharon, I would definitely want to get distracted by Ms. Rhee.

Smith laughed for a moment and they then boarded a transport shuttle, which took them to the surface of the planet.

*****

Masilleo led Rhee down a corridor, and spoke to her about the ship.

This is a Hestia class ship, Ms Rhee. It’s considered by many to be the best in the fleet. Have you ever helmed a Hestia class ship before?

Rhee shook her head. No sir, not in real time, only in simulations. However, I have helmed an Odin class ship, and I piloted a spacecraft carrier once. I also have done many runs on transport vessels.

Masilleo nodded. "Well in that case, this will be a breeze. The Monitor’s helm answers quickly. It is easy to manage once you get the hang of it, especially if you’re experienced as your credentials indicate."

Rhee spoke with an enthusiastic voice. "This assignment was a big deal for me. Before this I had been a part of the Spacecraft Carrier Aegean, and before that I was aboard the IERS Belgrade. I am just glad to be on a ship that is such a legend."

Masilleo breathed in deeply. "Well, we have received our status of being a legend through pain and hard work. The Monitor can be a difficult assignment, but the officers and crew on this ship are some of the best in the fleet."

Rhee nodded.

Masilleo looked at Rhee. When you settle in, I expect you to be in full uniform. I understand Skillman Colony can be a vacation spot, but on this ship we need everyone to be formal.

Rhee looked down for a moment and saw that her blue sports bra accentuated her breasts. She quickly realized that she had made an impression on the captain she had not intended. She then thought to herself: There I go again. I may be a pilot and a soldier, but I just showed off my boobs to the CO. No wonder these guys were speechless. I have to remember I am a woman.

Rhee spoke with an embarrassed voice. I apologize sir. I did not mean any disrespect, but I just kind of lost my mind down on the colony. When I have fun, my mind ceases to exist. I hope I haven’t given the impression that I don’t take my duties seriously. The most important thing to me is my career in Interstellarfleet. I hope the captain will understand.

Masilleo then spoke with a reassuring voice. Well, it’s no big deal. The captain didn’t complain, and if he didn’t, then I won’t. At least not this time.

Thank you sir, proper attire for now on for me sir, Rhee spoke with a nervous voice.

Masilleo nodded.

They then arrived in front of a door, and Masilleo said: "This is your quarters. The quarters on Hestia class ships like the Monitor are bigger than the quarters on other classes of ships throughout the rest of the fleet. I can say with certainty that these quarters will be the biggest quarters you’ve had thus far, while serving on an Interstellarfleet ship. You’ll find your quarters nice and tidy."

Rhee nodded and Masilleo then handed her a small stack of paper-thin computer pads that were held together by a clamp. These particular computer pads were unique, and were technically speaking not computer pads. Their official name for the technology was papputer, and thus they were usually called papputer forms, papputer pads, papputer sheets or just simply papputers. These papputers were designed to act like paper, but with the added benefit of working like a regular computer pad. They were more efficient because unlike paper they could be used over and over again. Files could be downloaded on these paper-thin computers and have large amounts of files on them. Also, like regular paper, papputers could bend just as easily as paper, but they would always go back to their original form when not being touched by something. These papputers had micro speakers that were invisible to the naked eye, and had multimedia functions that a person could even watch a movie on their papputer. This was not a new technology, but rather one that had been around since the late twenty-first century. Nevertheless, the technology was always made more compatible for the fast paced world of Human society.

Masilleo spoke boldly. On the top papputer is a list of appointments you have with various officers on the ship. Included on the list are the ship’s doctor, the ship’s psychologist, the chief engineer, and then finally me. Below that list, are individual papputers that each person has to sign to indicate you meet their approval. Since you are going to be our new helmsman and chief air space officer, we need you to meet all these people. Your position, in some ways, is more important than you realize.

I will do my best, both in my duties as a helmsman and as the ship’s CASO, Rhee replied.

"That’s all I ask Ms. Rhee. I will see you later. Welcome to the Monitor," Masilleo declared.

Masilleo walked away and left her standing there. Rhee then entered her quarters. She found the quarters to be comfortable if not simple. She unpacked her belongings and put her clothes in various drawers, and finally ventured into the bathroom to shower and clean up for her appointments with various officers.

*****

Down on the Skillman Colony, Smith and Hamid had just exited the transport shuttle. They were out in the open on a landing pad area that was just outside of the grounds of the governor’s mansion. It was a sunny clear day with a nice blue sky. They walked down a red brick path that was surrounded on both sides by well-kept green grass. They approached the governor’s mansion. They reached a large black gate, and two Skillman Colonial Government guards were outside.

The Skillman Colonial Government guards wore blue pants with red lines going down the length of them. They were wearing black shirts with insignia on them that indicated their ranks, and the letters SCG in golden letters on their collars. They were wearing black hats that had large red feathers sticking out of the top of them. On their leather belts they had sheathed swords with golden hilts and holstered highzer pistols. The guards served both ceremonial and practical security purposes.

Identification please? one of the guards said.

Smith took out his military ID as did Hamid, and the guard instantly recognized whom they were. The guard then spoke respectfully. Ah yes sir Captain Smith, the governor wishes to meet with you immediately.

The guard returned their ID’s and then took out a comlink, and said: Open the gates.

The gates opened immediately. Smith and Hamid passed through the gates. The gates were then closed behind them. They walked down a black asphalt road towards the mansion. They passed gardens of flowers and lawns of well-cut grass. The trees seemed ripe with fruit. Finally they saw the governor’s mansion. It was three stories in height, and was mainly tan in color with red colored tiles on the roof. The windows seemed well kept and the paint on the mansion gleamed with brightness. Smith was impressed at how a colony such as this maintained such a fine mansion for their governor.

Two guards approached them and one of them said: Follow us.

Smith and Hamid followed the two guards, and were escorted to a room with large windows that went from the ceiling to the floor. The room had a wooden desk with a computer terminal on it. Various antique clocks and wooden furniture filled the room. Behind the desk and sitting in a red leather chair was Governor Matteo Rastelli, the governor of Skillman Colony. He was six feet and two inches tall in height. He had well-combed brown hair with fair skin and dark brown eyes. He was fifty years old. He was wearing a gray shirt, pants and a cloak that was embroidered with fine precision. He spoke in a loud but welcoming voice. Captain Zeta Smith. Welcome to the Skillman Colony.

Smith walked over to him and shook his hand. Thank you Governor, it is an honor to be here.

Rastelli nodded and then Smith introduced Hamid. My tactical officer, Lieutenant Mustafa Abdul Hamid.

Rastelli then shook Hamid’s hand, and Hamid remarked: A pleasure to meet you sir.

Rastelli nodded and then motioned to the two guards. They turned around and left the room, but not before closing the door behind themselves.

Rastelli sat down in his chair and breathed in deeply. Please gentlemen, sit down.

Smith and Hamid sat in the two seats opposite Rastelli’s desk. They were made of wood similar to the rest of the furniture in the room, and they were cushioned with red leather.

Smith had a thoughtful expression on his face. Well Governor, we are happy to be here. I have heard much about the Skillman Colony. In fact, my ship’s psychologist comes from here.

Yes, I know. Sarah Russinelli lived in my village, Rastelli replied.

Well, Lieutenant Russinelli did not tell me she knew the governor, Smith remarked.

Rastelli sighed. She doesn’t exactly know me per se, but I know her family. They are good, hard working people. The town we grew up in had about 60,000 residents when I was just a legislative representative in the colonial legislature. I remember when she was born, so many years ago. I remember speaking with her parents after the doctors determined she was a telepath, and I predicted she would go far someday. Telepaths are essential members of our vast republic, and are critical to the survival of our species. I knew from that moment she would have a great destiny.

Smith smiled. She certainly has gone far. Now she is back at least for shore leave. I have heard your colony has nice vacation spots on certain continents.

Rastelli’s face brightened. That we do, on the islands in the Neo Mediterranean Sea, the water is clear blue, the people are friendly with nice smiles, and have beautiful sandy beaches. There is also of course the continent of Neo Hibernia. It is a wonderful continent filled with small communes and where boating is done. Then there is the continent of Neo Caledonia, which has great camping grounds, golf courses, Shakespearean theaters and even a Druid religious community, and of course the continent we are currently on, Neo Sicilia, which is where the governmental institutions are located.

Smith nodded. Well, I am impressed by what I have heard. I appreciate you inviting us to your mansion. Most of the times when a governor or a representative of a government invites us, they usually have a problem.

Rastelli seemed to be flooded with an emotional quagmire. He looked down for a moment, and then breathed out with a voice filled with embarrassment but necessity. Well Captain, in this case, there is a problem.

At first Rastelli’s remark did not register in Smith’s mind, but then Smith realized and became mentally aware, and he asked Rastelli: What is wrong Governor?

Rastelli spoke with an exhausted voice. We have been having difficulties. Mercenaries from the Heylarin Regime have been raiding economic goods that the colony produces. From wineries, to technology, to natural resources produced on our world. We have contacted Earth, but they have said it is the responsibility of the colonial space guard and the Skillman Colony troopers to deal with mere raiders. It has been hurting business, and a few of our citizens have been hurt and in a few cases killed. We need help.

What can I do to help you? Smith inquired.

"Well Captain, I know you have gone up against the Heylarin Regime before. It was an operation you were involved in before you became captain of the Monitor. Your success against them made you renowned, and it is because of that, many believe you received command of the Monitor in the first place. Since you were so successful last time, I was wondering if you could put the resources of your ship to use in terms of going after these Heylarin mercenaries," Rastelli said.

It can be done. It may be difficult. Where are they operating the most on the colony? Smith inquired.

Mainly in Neo Caledonia, and a little bit here on this continent of Neo Sicilia, Rastelli responded.

Very well. I will have Mr. Hamid take care of it. However, I want him to have full access to your resources, and the authority and the means to do whatever is necessary to hunt down these mercenaries, Smith declared.

Rastelli smiled. That will not be a problem. I will get the paperwork done immediately. The operation can commence in about five hours, if that is okay with you Captain?

Smith cleared his throat. Definitely, the sooner the better is what I say. Since that is settled, we should leave to make our own preparations.

Rastelli nodded and then stood up as did Smith and Hamid. Smith and Hamid shook hands with Rastelli again. Smith and Hamid then left the room, and soon they were outside of the mansion. They were approaching the front gate, and Hamid remarked: This will be difficult sir. Heylarin mercenaries are difficult to hunt down.

I know they are, but I am sure you will do your best Mr. Hamid, Smith commented.

Hamid nodded and Smith lead the way out of the governor’s mansion grounds. They took a transport shuttle up to the Monitor to prepare for the job ahead.

Chapter 2

Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee’s personal log: Earthdate August 29, 2441, 1600 hours. I have only been on the IERS Monitor now for three hours, and I have found it to be an interesting place. These Hestia class ships are large and spacious. They are well taken care of, and the crew seems to know their place in the command structure. I am happy to have been appointed as helmsman and CASO to this ship. I have to meet with the chief medical officer, the ship’s psychologist, the chief engineer and finally the executive officer. These appointments are formalities to make sure I am right for the job. I will go through these interviews with honesty and confidence in my abilities.

Bethany Rhee left her quarters with her stack of papputers in hand, and headed towards sickbay. She had to meet with Dr. John Randolph to show that she was physically fit. She walked down the corridor and passed a few crewmen and officers. She then saw a woman approaching. The woman had a big bulge where her stomach was, and Rhee realized she was pregnant. The woman was five feet and five inches tall in height. She had short curly brown hair with brown eyes and fair skin. Rhee noticed that the woman held the rank of lieutenant commander, based on the rank and insignia Rhee saw on the woman’s uniform.

Rhee cleared her throat. Good afternoon ma’am.

The pregnant lieutenant commander turned towards Rhee. Hello Lieutenant J.G. Do I know you?

Rhee had a respectful look on her face. Probably not ma’am. I am the new kid on the block. I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee. I am the ship’s new official helmsman and CASO. I haven’t met many people thus far. I just saw the captain and the tactical officer briefly, and I talked a bit with Commander Masilleo. He showed me my quarters and gave me an appointment schedule.

The lieutenant commander then smiled warmly. "Well, welcome to the Monitor Ms. Rhee. I am Lieutenant Commander Rose De Gaul. I am the science officer aboard the ship. My husband is actually Commander Masilleo, believe it or not. She then pointed to her stomach, and said: This little one is our child."

A surprised expression spread across Rhee’s face. I would have never known ma’am, but I knew he must have been married to somebody. So, how far into your pregnancy are you?

I am three months pregnant, just finished my first trimester, now entering my second trimester. It can be difficult at times, but I am proud to be bearing my husband’s child, De Gaul remarked.

Rhee was impressed by De Gaul’s sense of affection for her husband. Well I am happy for you and your husband. You definitely seem like a good couple. Now that I have met both of you on separate occasions, I can say with certainty that you are both going to have very long and happy lives together.

De Gaul nodded. I hope so. Well, I know you must be busy, so I will let you go. It was nice meeting you Ms. Rhee. I look forward to meeting you again.

Thank you ma’am. It was good meeting you too, ma’am, Rhee responded.

De Gaul then walked off at a slow pace, and Rhee headed down the corridor. Rhee then thought to herself: She sure is young to be married to Commander Masilleo. Either they are both sick in the head or they have found true love. Rhee entered a hyperlift and took it down a few decks. She then finally reached the deck that the sickbay was on. She walked onto the deck and passed a few crewmen and officers. She finally reached the sickbay. Most of the medical beds were empty, and there was a man in a small office going over his work on a computer terminal. Rhee saw a nurse working at a medical supply cabinet and her back was turned to Rhee. When the nurse realized someone was in the room, the nurse turned, and asked: May I help you?

Rhee approached the nurse. Yes, I am here to meet with Doctor John Randolph.

Giotopoulos then realized who the visitor was, and said: You’re the new helmsman.

Rhee nodded with a bright smile on her face. Yes, that is correct.

Giotopoulos looked at Rhee fondly. "Well, my name is Nurse Sharon Giotopoulos, and as informally as I can do this, I would just like to say Welcome to the Monitor. The doctor is waiting for you, and he has been anticipating your arrival."

Thank you Nurse Giotopoulos, Rhee replied.

No problem, Giotopoulos responded.

Rhee then headed towards the doctor’s office, and Giotopoulos returned to the medical supply cabinet and resumed her duties. Rhee entered the doctor’s office, and found the doctor intently staring at his computer terminal. Dr. Randolph finally looked up, and what he saw grabbed his eyes instantly. He looked up at the young Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee, and was overwhelmed by her. Her fair skin with her beautiful small almond brown eyes, and her blue eye shadow on her eyelids made her look extremely attractive. Her soft dark brown hair tied in a ponytail enhanced her good looks. Her C cup size breasts held back by her officers’ uniform enticed him and he found her legs wonderful, especially the way they were tight in her officers’ pants. At first he didn’t say anything. The doctor couldn’t because her beauty literally took the wind out of him.

Rhee cleared her throat. "Doctor, I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee, the new helmsman and CASO for the Monitor. I am here for my medical interview."

Randolph mumbled and stared at Rhee. "Ah, yes. I am Dr. John Randolph, chief medical officer on the Monitor."

Rhee noticed the doctor’s reaction, and asked. Doctor, is everything okay?

Randolph grasped some air into his lungs. Oh, me, yes I am fine. Please, please, sit down.

Rhee nodded and sat in the chair opposite Randolph.

Randolph cleared his throat and spoke with a professional tone. I have received your medical files from your last assignment. The physician has indicated your health is in tiptop shape.

Rhee smirked. Yes, I always try to maintain my health.

That’s good to hear. From what I can see of you right now, you’re definitely healthy, Randolph remarked.

Rhee blushed briefly. So do you have any questions, Doctor? I know most doctors usually ask tons of questions about past medical history and all of that.

Randolph gestured slightly in an understanding manner. Yes, just some medical questions. They are important and I have to warn you they are very personal.

Rhee nodded reluctantly, and was unsure what to expect to come out of Randolph’s mouth. Randolph finally spoke with a serious and professional tone of voice, while pressing a few buttons on his computer terminal. Have you caught any serious diseases in the last three years?

Does a cold count? Rhee asked.

No, not really, Randolph replied frankly.

Well in that case Doctor, no. There have been none, Rhee responded.

Randolph nodded. Okay, very well. Is your interspecies translator earpiece working well?

Yes, in fact I was able to use it. Once when I was on Zakvos, and another time I tested it when I was on an outer colony of the Neztauri Commonwealth, Rhee commented.

I take it you have traveled a little? Randolph inquired.

"I guess you could say that. I hope to go farther distances while on the Monitor," Rhee stated.

As do all of us, Randolph remarked.

Randolph then checked his computer terminal and tried not to stare at her. He was infatuated with her, and he had a hard time keeping his composure. From Rhee’s point of view, the doctor seemed distracted. A small part of her suspected it was her good looks. She really didn’t care. She always reminded herself it wasn’t good looks that got her assignments, but rather her piloting ability. Randolph then looked at the computer and then looked towards her, and asked: "Do you drink much alcohol?

Rhee shifted in her chair. Yes, whenever I get a chance. I mainly drink Korean brands of alcohol or Japanese brands. Occasionally some Irish whiskey, but other than that, not much else.

Randolph seemed to have a direct expression on his face. Does the alcohol make you drunk?

Rhee thought for a moment. If I drink too much, I can get drunk, and I have been drunk even back in my academy days. So, I always have to be careful. I never was in any danger, but I usually do stupid and silly things when I did get drunk. I remember one time I was down at Mardis Gras in New Orleans, and I got so drunk that I was practically flashing every guy that I saw walking down the street.

Randolph had a confused expression on his face. Flashing?

Rhee smirked. "You know, I took off my top and showed them my bare breasts.

Oh, Randolph said, and seemed to fanaticize about the possibility for a moment.

Rhee reminisced. I remember one guy in a hover car who was going real slow, maybe only five miles per hour, crashed into another car by accident. He was just staring at my breasts, but I wasn’t the only distraction going on. A whole lot of other girls were doing the same thing. Mardis Gras is known to be very wild so I didn’t get into any trouble. The damage between the two hover cars was so minimal that nothing ever came of it.

Randolph then thought to himself. Good thing she didn’t take off her top over the hover expressway, then that would have been a pile up. He then returned to reality, and said: Well, we all do crazy things, have you ever tried Trovian Brandy?

Never, I can’t stand alien drinks. They are way too different. I am very specific with the tastes I enjoy. I might try some exotic Earth drink that I might not have tried yet, but I will never touch any alien booze, Rhee declared.

Randolph had a sympathetic expression on his face. Well that’s a good attitude, especially since Trovian Brandy is illegal. Of course, who in the republic today enforces that law.

Rhee laughed at that remark and smiled with a sly expression on her face. Yeah, so I have heard.

Randolph then appeared to have a brainstorm and spoke in an official voice. I hate asking this question, but have you ever had sex, and with how many people and what orientation? If you don’t mind me asking?

Rhee was shocked by the doctor’s question. Part of her wanted to stand up and smack him as hard as she could in his face. Another part of her wanted to get a glass of ice water and pour it on his head. However, the third part of her felt a little flattered. So with the combined three emotions, she decided not to act surprised, and responded like she was deep in thought. Well, I have had sex. I am heterosexual, and I have been with three different men.

Three is not a bad number, Randolph acknowledged.

Yeah I suppose so, Rhee remarked, with an uncertain voice.

I must recommend that you not have sex with any humanoids other then Type-HE’s or Type-HL’s. Anything other than that would be dangerous in terms of diseases that Earth science does not have a cure for.

Don’t worry Doctor. I don’t even do Type-HL’s. I only do Type-HE’s, because I want to only be in a relationship with Humans whose genetic line evolved on Earth.

Randolph nodded. I know how you feel, nothing beats mates from the home species.

Rhee found that amusing. "You seem to mix jokes with seriousness Doctor?

I have to. To keep my patients happy, Randolph replied.

Well, you have done a good job, Rhee responded.

Randolph stood up and gestured with his right arm. If you just step this way to a medical bed scanner.

Rhee stood up and followed Randolph to a medical bed. Rhee then thought to herself: In a few moments, I will give the doctor a taste of Mardi Gras.

Giotopoulos was still working on medical supplies in the distance. Rhee sat on the bed and Randolph was right by her. Rhee then proceeded to take off her officer’s shirt and revealed her fair C cup size breasts held back by a white bra. Randolph was overwhelmed and tried desperately not to stare at her breasts, and he then said: Ms. Rhee, that is not necessary. The medical bed scanner can scan your metabolism just as easily with your clothes on.

Rhee had a slight smirk on her face. I prefer just to take it off. It feels stuffy in here, if you don’t mind Doctor?

Randolph was sweating bullets from how many feelings and emotions went through his head upon seeing Rhee this way. He finally just let himself stare for two seconds. Rhee felt good in some ways. She liked the idea that the doctor was struggling to act normal around her. Her looks may have not gotten her here she thought, but they sure could allow her to have fun. She then lay on the bed and he conducted a scan. Giotopoulos noted how Randolph stared at Rhee’s body. Randolph was attracted to Rhee greatly. He had done scans with other women aboard the ship including Russinelli and even Majovic, but none of them had this affect on him. He looked at the medical scans, and remarked: Your muscle tone is in perfect shape. Bones are strong, metabolism is strong and steady, no ailments, no sign of any diseases or viral infections.

Randolph then stopped the scanning and regained his professional footing. You’re clean Ms. Rhee. Your body checks out A OK.

Rhee sat up and put her shirt back on. She realized the doctor had regained his control, but she still felt a sense of pride that she had that affect on him. However, she maintained a professional manner. Well, I am glad to hear that Doctor. I have to visit Lieutenant Russinelli right now, so if you don’t mind, I would like to be on my way.

Rhee then gestured with a papputer in her hand, and Randolph realized he had to sign it to officially document that Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee had visited him.

Of course, Randolph said, and Rhee handed a papputer for him to sign. He signed it quickly and handed the papputer back to Rhee.

Rhee nodded. Thank you Doctor.

Rhee then left the sickbay and then Giotopoulos approached Randolph, and remarked: I noticed you found her chest area interesting.

Randolph wanted to tell Giotopoulos to mind her own business, but he knew he really couldn’t blame her for making the comment. He held his tongue for a moment and finally he spoke. She is an attractive young female officer. I can’t help it.

Giotopoulos smirked. I have noticed that it is young female officers like her that give the male officers on this ship a little extra energy in their step and eye motion.

Randolph couldn’t say anything, and he then returned to his office, while Giotopoulos worked on another medicine cabinet.

*****

Rhee was on another deck of the Monitor and was on her way to the ship’s psychologist, Lieutenant Sarah Russinelli. Rhee had heard the ship’s psychologist was a telepath. Rhee had encountered telepaths every now and then, and she found them to be nothing special at all. In her opinion, they were never special because they always read people’s minds, and thus could never really think on their own. They were always influenced by people’s thoughts. They could never think alone and come to their own conclusions. This was what she had come to believe over the years, and she expected no difference from Lieutenant Sarah Russinelli. She approached the ship’s psychologist office. There were two blue glass windows and an open metal door in the middle. She went through the open door and entered the front area of Russinelli’s office.

In the front area were chairs lined together with pictures on the wall. This gave Rhee the impression Russinelli had many Patients who would visit her. There was a desk in front where a secretary would normally be sitting, but at the moment the seat was unoccupied. A woman then came out with a lieutenant insignia on her shirt. Rhee instantly realized it was Russinelli and Rhee stood at attention, and said: Lieutenant Junior Grade Bethany Rhee, to see you ma’am.

Russinelli smiled at her. No need for ranks here. I am here as a psychologist and you as my patient.

Thank you. I was just curious. Why is your secretary not here? Rhee asked.

I gave her the day off. You’re my last appointment for today. After I am done with you, I am going down to the Skillman Colony with a friend, Russinelli responded with a smile.

Russinelli then shut off the lights in the main waiting area and closed the front door.

Russinelli explained. I just turned the lights off and closed the door, so no spur of the moment patients appear.

Rhee smirked at this remark. Russinelli then gestured with her right hand. Please come with me to the main room.

Rhee nodded and followed Russinelli down a back hallway that had white walls and a blue carpeted floor. Rhee felt nervous around Russinelli. Knowing that Russinelli could read her mind did not make her feel any better. They turned to the right and entered a small room with a couch made of black leather and a chair next to it. On the wall were pictures of stellar phenomena, and Rhee remarked: Cozy.

Russinelli cleared her throat. I try to make the place seem warm. Please sit on the couch, and I will talk to you from my chair.

Rhee breathed in deeply and sat on the couch opposite Russinelli.

Russinelli spoke with a thoughtful voice. As I said there is no need for rank, you can call me Sarah and I will call you Bethany, sound fair?

Rhee reluctantly agreed. Yes, of course Sarah. Ah, what does this interview exactly involve?

Russinelli spoke softly. "I am here to make sure you are mentally stable, that you feel emotionally content and that all is working upstairs. It’s also to check and see