Chapter 12

"Kolten this beer is actually pretty good. Ooh and you're right. The food is only slightly better than the mess hall. It's still a wonderful treat. Thank you for tonight." she rang out while giving a soft clap.

"Of course! The food is actually the same food from the mess hall. Here they just prepare it differently. That's why you taste the similarity. When Admiral Thompson requested a pub to be built on the ship with alcohol. The government had to make budget cuts somewhere. " He responded.

"Bar tender! Will you pour the lady and I another beer? Also we'd like a shot each of your finest whiskey!" Kolten requested.

"Yes sir Commander. Coming right up!" The bar tender responded cheerfully. He new that CIT Kolten came in here often for drinks. Every night for over a year he'd get drunk and talk to him about beloved Tara. Kolten often would leave him an extra large tip. Now that the bar tender finally got to see Tara in person and see the love on both their faces. He knew he was getting tipped well tonight. So he was more than obliged to keep pouring drinks.

Tara I think we've had enough to drink. Would you car to dance with me?" Kolten asked. Holding out his hand, with a smile on his face.

"Commander...I thought you'd never ask. " she responded all giddy like a school girl.

Kolten leads her to the small dance floor and pulls her close to him trying not to stumble or fall.

The bar tender dims the lights and plays soft music. It was only 30 minutes until close and he had to make sure he got his tip. Especially since Kolten and Tara were the only customers. The rest of the ship was asleep getting rested for the big day tomorrow.

Getting in a good slow swing the two danced, and kissed each other softly. Tara looked good in her military dress skirt and top. It was nice seeing her in something other than her flight suit or jumpsuit.

"Waaaaahhhh! Waaaahhh!! Waaaaahhh! The ship's emergency all hands on deck alarms started going off.

Wait it was only eleven p.m. They weren't supposed to be reaching Earth's moons orbit until tomorrow around two p.m.

What the fuck! He thought to himself. Him and Tara were both tipsy and in no way ready to start the mission.

"Bzzz! Bzzz! Bzzz! His handheld in his pocket was vibrating.

A message from the Admiral.

Commander get Tara and her squadron ready for launch.. There's been an error with our navigation. We land on the moon at 0200 hours.

Holy shit he thought. That's only three hours from now!

He grabbed Tara who was now passed out in the chair next to him.

Sleepily she said. "Commander I already told you. You can't have me in bed until our wedding night."

"Tara!" he yelled.

"We land on the moon in three hours. Wake up! Let's get you sobered up and your squadron ready!"

Tara let out a smirk. "On second thought. I'd rather go back to the old break room and make love to you!"

Kolten smacked her in the face, then poured cold water the bar tender handed him on her.

"Tara! Wake up! We have to get you ready!" He insisted.

Kolten slammed $300 on the bar for the bar tender. The bar tenders eyes got big with dollar signs.

"Commander! Wait! You won't make it in time going the main way. Plus if she's the one guiding the ship to the moon. We don't want people to see her drunk. Follow me. I'll take you through my store room. There's an elevator we bring my supplies up with that goes right passed The guest quarters. " The bar tender urgently trying to reason with him.

Kolten responded. "OK let's go your way."

So they get to the elevator and just like the bar tender said. It took them right to the guest quarters. Kolten urgently took her room key out of her pocket and opened the door.

"Tara! Wake up! Let's get you ready." he begged.

She was still fading in and out. Kolten went to her small closet and pulled out her clean pressed white flight suit. Took off her dress attire and put on her suit. Even though she was still in her underwear and bra. He had never seen that much skin on her. She is gorgeous. No. she is stunning!

"Snap out of it!" he whispered to himself.

Mission first. His love and desire for her is second.

"Kolten! What the fuck is going on!!" she scaredly demanded.

"Good you're awake! We don't have much time. We need to gather your team and make sure everyone is ready!" he scuffed.

"Wait! I thought we had until 2pm tomorrow? It's only ten minutes until midnight!" she confusedly responded.

"Tara There's been a mistake. We're closer to the moon than we calculated." Kolten embarrassed but still told the truth.

Tara laced up her boots and grabbed Kolten by the hand. Dragging him nearly out of the room.

It was mad chaos down the hallway. People confused and running all different directions.

Finally they made it to the designated conference area for the Shark Squadron.

Tara ran to the front of the room with Kolten following behind her. She clears her throat and gets ready for the announcement.

"Gentlemen. You may or may not know him but this is Commander Kolten. He is overseeing our side of the mission."

Kolten looks around the room noticingthe confused look on everyone's faces and speaks up. "Shark Squadron. Men... Lady. I know you were all told the mission starts tomorrow at 2pm. There was a miss calculation at the flight deck with our navigation. In roughly an hour and a half we launch. Grab your gear and get everyone to your stations. I will guide you to the quickest way to the hanger where your ships are docked. Any questions? No? Great Let's go!"