Encounter at Hardpoint

1.

The United Worlds ship Venture overtook light speed, slipping into subspace. Elongated stars shot past the bridge's window. Executive Officer Weston Ryder sat by Captain Stern at the rear of the control center. Engineer Jed Forger and Crew Psychologist Dana Tren sat up front, operating their consoles. The hyperdrive's hum filled the room, mixed with intermittent beeps from wall-mounted computers.

Ryder's gaze turned to Dana, his broad chest stirring. The young woman's purple singlet, standing out against the earth-toned bulkheads, accentuated her curves. Her slender fingers danced across her console's touch screen. Her luscious black hair cascaded down her back, swaying with each turn of her head. Ryder's nostrils flared from the scent of perfume wafting from her station.

The X.O. gripped his armrests, fighting his urges. He couldn't see Dana's face with her back to him. But memories of her warm brown eyes, full red lips, pencil-thin brows and firm round breasts, filled his vision. Why did the fleet dress beautiful women in form-fitting uniforms, to tease him? Ryder swallowed, feeling his own clothes tightening around his groin.

He pried his eyes from the psychologist, too little too late. His thick cock strained against his fabric. A shuddering breath escaped him. He tried to think of anything but Dana. He glanced downward, his erection swelling every second. His feet fidgeted across the gray carpeting.

“Are you alright, Mister Ryder?” a voice said to him, with a hint of French accent.

The X.O.'s head snapped to Captain Stern.

“Aye s-sir,” he stammered. “Nervous about the mission.”

The balding commander of the Venture suppressed a smile.

“A mere field survey, we'll do fine,” he replied.

“Aye, captain.”

Just then, Dana shot a grin at Ryder. The X.O.'s heart skipped a beat. His toes curled with sexual tension. If only he could escape the captain's supervision.

The commander couldn't ignore his feelings any longer. He would pursue Dana in defiance of the ship's anti-fraternization rules. What Stern and the crew didn't know couldn't hurt them. The stars reverted to pinpoints as the warp drive slowed the Venture to a crawl. A pale blue world filled the bridge window, flecked with green strips.

Jed Forger swiveled to face Captain Stern, and the X.O. Ryder shifted in his seat; he'd known the lieutenant for years but never got used to his metallic eyes. The engineer had received ocular implants for unknown reasons. Those who got them reported superhuman vision, but Ryder hoped he'd never find out.

“Destination reached, Captain,” Jed reported, turning to his console. “U.W. computer designates it as Hardpoint. It's a category one. Environmental parameters are within hospitable range. Sensors indicate some non-intelligent organics. Minimal field gear is recommended for an away team, sir.”

“Excellent, lieutenant,” Stern replied. “I'll see everyone in the conference room for a briefing in thirty minutes. Arrive in your expeditionary gear.”

“Aye sir,” the bridge officers replied.

The captain stood, smoothed out his uniform, and left the bridge. Jed followed behind. Ryder still felt his raging hard-on. He started rising when Dana left her own seat and strode over. He folded one leg across the other, trying to hide his bulge.

“Won't you prepare for the briefing, commander?” she asked, in her soothing voice.

“Uh, y-yes, of course,” Ryder managed, feeling like a love struck schoolboy. “Staying a moment to look over Jed's analysis. Can never be too sure. Remember the Oshun Four expedition?”

Dana nodded, stifling a laugh. “Oh yes, I do. Lieutenant Forger's scan could have used a second glance there.”

Ryder pointed and flashed one of his winsome smiles. “Exactly.”

“Well, see you soon.”

“You bet.”

Ryder watched her firm ass and swaying hips as she sauntered out of the bridge. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. His heart thumped in his chest. He wondered if he had time for a freezing shower.

2.

The X.O. left his quarters, treading in his restrictive but damage-resistant bodysuit. His fingers brushed against the cold metal of his arrestor energy gun, snug in its holster. If anything threatened Dana, he wouldn't hesitate to use it. He checklisted everything in his shoulder bag: adhesive lamps, rations, a medi-kit, rope...

The conference room door whirred open at his approach. Captain Stern sat behind a reflective black table, facing the entrance. He busied himself with a handheld data pad. Dana sat by his right, clad in similar gear to Ryder's. A panoramic window gave view to the stars behind her. Stern glanced up from his pad.

“Ah, X.O., you've arrived. Let's begin.”

Ryder looked around, noting Forger's absence.

“Sir, where's the lieutenant?”

“Lieutenant Forger was called to the engine room,” Stern replied. “He'll be briefed later.”

Ryder took a seat. The captain displayed a rotating 3D image of Hardpoint on a monitor set into the wall behind him.

“Fleet Command believes ancient Tasidian ruins are in this sector,” Stern began.

The screen transitioned to an overhead topographical map, showing an area of rocky hills.

“We're ordered to recon the site ahead of the excavation ship's arrival. You two and Forger will be transmitted to the area. Survey the local environment, mark points of interest, and flag any hazards. Enter ruins at your discretion. Once done, you'll retransmit to the Venture. Questions?”

“Yes, captain,” Ryder said. “Since Forger is preoccupied, perhaps Tren and I are enough for this assignment?”

“Afraid not, commander. He won't be gone long. Besides, Forger's our best Quadcorder operator. We'll need his expertise on this one. I trust that's not a problem?”

Damn, Ryder thought to himself. Being alone with Dana on the planet would have been perfect.

“Not at all, sir,” Ryder said.

“Very well. If nothing else, I'll contact you when we're ready for transmission,” Stern replied.

“Aye, sir,” Ryder and Dana replied.

*

Ryder got halfway to his quarters when Stern's voice spoke through the star badge on his chest.

“Stern to Ryder, please report to the transmission room.”

The commander tapped his badge to reply. “On my way, captain.”

Ryder arrived at the circular transmission room. Tren and Forger stood on a raised platform in the middle of the floor. Once, a qualified technician would need to operate the device. Due to recent advancements, anyone could now use it themselves.

“Good timing, X.O.,” Tren said. “We're about to transmit.”

Ryder sprinted onto the platform and positioned himself next to Dana. The three crewmembers stood stock still. The complex device came to life in a series of buzzes and whirrs. His vision filled with red light. Weightlessness and tingling permeated him for several seconds. When his eyesight cleared and weight returned, he stood on a new world.

3.

Ryder looked to his left, relieved to see Dana and Jed had transmitted safe. Accidents occurred in Fleet history but were rare. He took in the surroundings. The temperature felt moderate, and the air smelled fresh. A light breeze blew through his short-cropped hair. Ryder retrieved a pair of binoculars from his bag.

He thumbed the dial on top of the glasses for max zoom. In the distance, he spotted an entryway carved into the side of a plateau. Tasidian letters were etched into the rock over it. His mind raced. If Jed followed him and Dana into the ruins, he would lose his chance with her alone.

He looked for a distraction, spotting a mossy knoll. It wasn't far, but a round trip on foot would take a while. He waved Jed over.

“Yes, commander?” the engineer asked.

“See that hilltop?” Ryder replied, pointing to it. “My scanner's detecting possible Hathorite deposits there. I'll have you examine it with your quadcorder. High command should know if there's any here.”

Ryder waited while Jed studied the distance between himself and the hill. Nothing was strange or illegal about the order, but he expected to be questioned. In the semi-military United Worlds Fleet, officers could voice reasonable concerns to superiors, while stricter organizations might consider that insubordinate.

“But sir, should we split up? Our instructions are to document the Tasidian site as a group.”

“Nothing Tren and I can't handle. Wouldn't want the admiralty to realize we overlooked untapped Hathorite veins during the shortage, would you?”

Jed took a deep breath. “No, commander. Contact me if there's any sign of trouble?”

“Absolutely,” Ryder replied with a grin.

The wheels in the X.O.'s mind turned as he watched Jed trot away. He turned his attention to Dana, busy canning a sample of Hardpoint soil. She looked up at Ryder behind those doe eyes that never failed to stir him. “Where's Jed going, commander?”

“Discovered a potential Hathorite source over yonder,” Ryder replied, pointing to the knoll. “Jed's quadcorder could confirm it. Since the U.W. Fleet's supply is running low, I ordered him to check it out.”

Dana nodded. “I see. Well, I've got a good handle on things here. What should we do now?”

“Found some ruins in that cliff side behind you. Follow my lead; we'll start charting the inside. If it's too dangerous, we'll turn back.”

“Lead the way, X.O.”

The two proceeded to the plateau's high, rectangular opening. They stuck adhesive pods to the ruin's walls, lighting their way while they crept further inside. A musty smell filled Ryder's nose, reminding him of stale clothes. He and Dana traversed about fifty feet, when Ryder heard a click under foot. The floor rumbled, and a loud thump echoed through the hall.

Ryder spun in time to see a heavy rock slab conceal the entrance behind them. He and Dana exchanged stunned looks. They were trapped.

4.

Ryder's blood ran cold, but years of training, discipline, and experience kept his composure. He would remain calm next to Dana.

“A booby trap,” Ryder muttered. “At least it didn't kill us.”

“No,” Dana replied, keeping her voice level. “But there's no way we'll budge that slab on our own.”

Ryder tapped the communication badge on his chest. “Ryder to Forger, do you copy?”

Silence. Ryder's palms felt clammy. His heart beat in his temples. He tapped the badge again.

“This is X.O. Ryder to Venture. Can you read me?”

More silence.

Dana crossed her arms. “Too much rock above us; it's interfering with the signal.”

Ryder's mind raced for a solution. “Dana, our arrestors.”

She nodded. Ryder and Dana approached the slab. They unholstered their guns and shot into the trap door. Either the energy beams weren't powerful enough, or the rock naturally resisted their impact. Coin-sized pockmarks smoked where the beams hit. Ryder and Dana holstered their weapons in defeat.

“If we'd just contact the Venture, perhaps it could bore a hole into the mountain for us to escape from. Can't a Kamadeva-class ship handle that?” Dana suggested.

Ryder scratched his chin. “Don't think so. The weakest laser blast would still collapse the entire plateau.”

“What about Jed? Could he help?”

“He's far from here by now,” Ryder replied. “Besides, I don't think he knows about the ruins here. He'll have no idea where we are. It'll be a while before he returns to the work site.”

Silence hung over them. They walked back to the opposite end of the corridor. Ryder endured many perils, but this one felt different. They could run out of air, trigger more traps, or simply never be found. Feelings of resignation crept in.

“Dana,” he started. “Since we're alone, and we might not get out of this, I need to tell you...”

The psychologist smiled. “I know.”

“Know what?”

“You're attracted to me.”

Ryder's face flushed, and his mouth dropped. “Let me guess, you sensed my feelings with your half-Deltoid empathic ability?”

“Weston,” she said softly, “I didn't need my empathic powers. It was obvious. Truthfully, I'm attracted to you too. I just hid it better.”

Ryder's eyes went wide. “If only we'd expressed ourselves earlier.”

“We were too reluctant. The rules, the regulations, Stern always watching. We couldn't. Suppose none of that matters now.”

“I'm sorry, Dana, this was my fault...”

The psychologist squeezed his arm. “No. We both understood the risks when we signed up. Our job was to investigate the ruins. Anything could have happened.”

“If we're never getting out of here...”

Dana cast an amorous gaze at him. She pulled him tight and parted his lips with her tongue for a sensual kiss. Ryder felt light headed. He drank in the hot sweetness of her breath and intoxicating scent. His manhood strained to free itself from its confines. After a long few moments, they broke for air.

Dana bit her lower lip in anticipation. She unzipped Ryder's leathery suit and ran her hands up his muscular chest. She traced a finger along old scars from past missions. Ryder shuddered in arousal from each caress.

“I pleasured myself many nights to thoughts of you,” Dana whispered.

“Dana, I—”

Before Ryder could finish, Dana pressed her lips to his. She grabbed his arms with a strength that surprised him. He stepped backwards until his back brushed against the wall. He heard another click. Dana pulled him away from the wall as it slid upward.

The two held each other and looked into the adjoining room, expecting danger. The light pods burned bright enough to illuminate the small chamber. A waist-high container stood in the middle of the brick floor. Carvings of weapons and tools adorned its polished stone sides.

“A Tasidian war chest,” Dana gasped. “The archaeologists will appreciate this.”

“If only that was all they were going to find here...”

“They'll have missed a good time.”

Dana led him to the opposite side of the chest, knelt down, and undressed his pants. Ryder's cock sprung out, its round glans inches from her face. Her fingertips stroked the length of his shaft. The tip of her tongue swirled around his head. Her free hand cupped his heavy balls and rolled them between her fingers.

Ryder steadied himself against the chest, praying for enough endurance to last. Dana took the whole of his member down her throat. Even in this surreal moment, Ryder couldn't help but reflect on the absurdity of their situation. Trapped in a hollowed-out mountain, receiving the greatest blowjob from his crush, pressed against a priceless artifact. But what else to do in their final days alive?

Dana's lewd slurping bounced off the dusty walls, pulling the X.O.'s mind back to attention. Emboldened, Ryder gently put a hand on the back of her neck and guided her movements. The psychologist adapted to his lead, finding her rhythm. Ryder assumed Dana had done this many times before, turning him on even more. She pulled back for air, leaving a spit trail where her full lips left his glistening tip.

She locked her eyes with Ryder's, unzipping her suit and freeing a pair of full breasts. She wrapped them around Ryder's dick, slapping, rubbing, and sliding the orbs around his girth. She increased her pace, threatening to make him cum. He gripped the edges of the chest hard enough to dent it.

“Going to—” was all he managed before Dana caught his head between her teeth and took his load.

Ryder squirted so much he surprised himself. Dana's cheeks filled to the brim; a startled look crossed her face.

The X.O.'s head buzzed from the strongest release of his life. A muffled explosion boomed in the distance. Their training took over. They dressed themselves in an instant and faced the doorway. A cloud of smoke filled the chamber. They shut their eyes and attempted to wave it away.

A familiar figure emerged from the dissipating smoke. Doubting his senses, he looked at Dana. She swallowed and wiped her lips, pretending nothing had happened.

“Jed!” Ryder shouted. “How?”

The lieutenant's reddened face took deep, shuddering breaths. He bent over, hands gripping his knees.

“Commander,” he gasped. “Just rushed back from the knoll. I was skeptical about your scanner's readings, but they were right. There's a significant Hathorite amount underneath there. Hurried back to tell you, but you and Dana were gone.”

“That's...great!” Ryder said. Wonders never ceased. He made the Hathorite detection completely up for an excuse to ditch Jed. Stumbling upon the precious resource was akin to shooting a bullseye in the dark.

“Good work, lieutenant,” Dana replied. “But how did you find us and break through the door?”

Jed stood straighter, his oxygen returning. “My synthetic eyes detected the faint outlines of footsteps in the soil. I followed them to the ruins. They stopped at the door. I figured it must have trapped you two inside somehow. Tried to break it up, but my arrestor couldn't penetrate it.”

“We tried that too,” Ryder replied.

“So I dismantled my quadcorder, removed its batteries, attached them to my arrestor's power bank, overcharged the gun, and fired a one time beam forceful enough to collapse the door. Will need to requisition myself another quadcorder and arrestor though...”

Ryder clasped Jed on the shoulder. “You're a genius, lieutenant. We owe you for saving our lives.”

Jed shrugged. “Just doing my job, sir.”

The X.O. led the team out of the ruins, feeling on top of the world.

5.

The three headed for the landing site. Dana occupied herself with her datapad as they went. Ryder put some distance between her and Jed.

“Feel funny asking a favor, since you saved our lives and all,” he started. “But could you leave out that Dana and I got trapped in the ruins at the debriefing? No harm done, it'd be simpler to set aside and, well...less embarrassing for me.”

Jed stopped and looked at Ryder, his eyes narrowed into steely slits. Ryder flashed his handsome, never- fail smile, hoping to win him over.

“Deal,” Jed replied. “But you're buying the next round at the bar.”

“Thanks Jed. Drinks on are on me.”

Dana put her data pad away and stood by Ryder and Jed. Ryder winked at her. “Jed's gonna keep our little incident on the down low, so play along.”

The psychologist smiled coyly.

The commander tapped his communications badge. “Ryder to Venture, three to transmit.”

*

Ryder, Jed and Dana sat around the conference table. Captain Stern read his personal computer in the conference room, reviewing the recon mission results.

“Hmm, not bad. Lieutenant Forger will be officially commended for his Hathorite find.”

Jed straightened up in his seat. “Thank you, sir.”

“You're most welcome. The discovery might not end the shortage but will keep the fleet re-fuelled for awhile.

“X.O. Ryder, Psychologist Tren, good field-work in the ruins. The Tasidian chest is invaluable. The inbound archaeology team shall be pleased to take custody of it.”

“Yes, sir,” Ryder and Dana replied.

The captain pressed some buttons on his computer's touch-screen and shut it off. “Well, that's all I have for now. Dismissed. Except for Commander Ryder.”

Lieutenant Forger and Tren exited the room. The door hissed closed behind the X.O. Ryder swallowed and stood at attention.

“Looking over the team's movements,” Stern began. “I couldn't help but notice Jed was separated from you and Tren. Also, it seemed you two were in the chest's chamber for quite some time.”

“Yes, captain. When I detected the hathorite readings, I ordered Forger to confirm it with his quadcorder. It was risky, but given the fleet's shortage, I felt we should know as soon as possible. Tren and I did take our time to appreciate the chest, yes. The craftsmanship was breathtaking.”

Stern nodded. “I can imagine. Perhaps I'll see it for myself someday. However, dividing a three person team goes against protocol in almost every case. I won't reprimand you...this time. But next trip, run it by me if you're going to split a group.”

Ryder inhaled deeply and nodded. “Understood, sir.”

“That is all,” Stern replied, turning to the wall-mounted monitor to examine some schematics.

“Aye, captain.”

Ryder left the conference room and leaned against the corridor's bulkhead. A wave of relief washed over him. The PDA on his belt ringed. He plucked it off the belt and read a text message on the screen from Tren.

[Meet me in my quarters tonight?]

Ryder's eyes widened, fingers scrambling to key his reply. [I'll be there.]

6.

The commander stopped at Dana's door with bated breath. He steeled himself and pressed the chime button. The door slid open to reveal his lover. The psychologist wore a slip of a gown, revealing every curve of her body. Her mass of black curls tumbled over her shoulders, framing her soft, inviting face.

“I'm ready for you,” she said, in a lilt that made Ryder's heart swoon.

She took Ryder by the hands and pulled him him into her quarters. A crisp floral scent greeted his nose. Of all the rooms he had seen on the ship, hers was the most feminine and colorful. Dana hurried him past the kitchenette and common area to a bedroom. She let her gown slip onto the rug as she strode to the silken sheets awaiting them.

Ryder feasted his eyes on the small of her back, toned thighs, and squeezable butt. She reclined across the mattress and beckoned to him. A trimmed black patch crested her glistening slit. Ryder's tool stood straighter than he did during inspections at the academy.

He threw his clothes off and lay down on the mattress. Dana rested on one elbow. With her free hand, she pushed aside a stray lock, revealing a protruding nipple. She twisted her tit between thumb and forefinger, gazing at Ryder hungrily.

“I owe you for the attention you gave me on Hardpoint,” Ryder said.

The X.O.'s fingertips slid up Dana's inner thighs, massaging and probing them. He moved in to pleasure her wet mound. The fine curls of her pubic hair tickled his nostrils with every lap of his tongue. Dana threw her head back and let out a sharp gasp. Ryder had been out of practice, but the right motions started coming back. Dana's firm legs closed in around his ears. Her muffled moans, increasing in frequency and loudness, told him he found the sweet spot.

Ryder savored her tangy juice on his palate and the feel of Dana's fingers running through his hair. The commander went to work on her clit, but she gently pulled him back.

“I can't wait anymore,” she whispered, glancing at his cock.

“Neither can I.”

Dana pulled her legs up and spread them. She pried her lips open with two fingers and waited for her lover's entry. Ryder plunged himself into her sex, reveling in the emotions and pleasure coursing through him. As his length penetrated her slick, tight walls, he felt reborn. Dana's furrowed brow and blushing cheeks almost made him cum. But he couldn't let him or Dana down this soon.

Ryder's thrusts ramped up, shooting waves of pleasure through Dana's taut skin. The small room amplified her moans and wet slaps of flesh on flesh. The walls were soundproof, but if the entire crew had heard them, Ryder could have accepted it. As his pounding increased, Dana's moans turned to screams of passion. Her legs wrapped around Ryder, and her fingers clawed into his back.

A sheen of sweat formed over the commander, determined not to give in. He received a precious lull, as Dana motioned for him to lie on his back. He caught his breath and watched as Dana lowered himself onto his tip, and they began again. He squeezed her ass as she bounced up and down on his member. The commander knew he was almost spent.

“Dana,” he gasped.

“I know, go ahead.”

Female U.W. personnel had IUDs implanted after being assigned to a ship. Ryder knew it, but felt compelled to let Dana know he neared climax. The psychologist descended hard on Ryder, enveloping his cock in one final, forceful fuck. Ryder's body wracked from the strongest orgasm he remembered. The last thing he knew before passing out from exhaustion was Dana lowering herself onto him and closing her eyes.

*

Ryder came to. His eyes opened to the soft glow of light over him. Dana idly traced her finger around his pectorals. They lay next to each other in amicable silence. After some time, Ryder spoke first.

“How long were we out?”

“Not long.”

Ryder took her hand in his and kissed it. “Nobody can know about us.”

“I know.”

“They'd post us to different ships and we might never see each other again.”

“We won't let that happen.”

Ryder sat up, knowing he and Dana's duties called. Life would be different now. But exciting. Sure, they would have to keep a secret. They would have to be discreet. But they would treasure each stolen moment, every night together, the thrill of keeping their secret.

He and Dana shared a light breakfast, took a shower and dressed themselves in their singlets. They exited Dana's quarters to begin their shift. They stopped dead in their tracks as they made for the bridge. Jed stood there, cocking an eyebrow, a data-pad crooked under one arm.

“Lieutenant Forger,” Ryder said.

“Sir,” Forger replied.

“Funniest thing,” Ryder continued. “Psychologist Tren scheduled me for a psychotherapy session to work through what happened on Hardpoint. But the power in her office went out. So we decided to have it in her quarters.”

Jed looked skeptical for a second before shrugging. “Huh. Well, don't suppose you can have a psychotherapy session in the dark, can you?”

“Right,” the commander replied.

The lieutenant shrugged, focused on his data-pad and walked away. Ryder and Dana exchanged mischievous glances and hurried to the bridge.

The screen displayed a field of stars. The Venture had positioned itself away from the planet. Captain Stern sat in his chair, keying some buttons on his arm-rest. Ryder took his usual seat next to him. Tren went to her usual station.

“Commander,” Stern said. “Orders received from on high while you were away. We're to dock at Starbase Jarilo for resupply. Tren, set course for the Turan system.”

“Course locked in, captain, all systems go,” Dana replied.

Ryder leaned back and waited for that signature word the captain said countless times before. That single unmistakable command brimming with authority, the promise of adventure, and determination.

“Launch.”

The Venture morphed into sheer energy and darted through the cosmos.