Chap 6: The Handsome Hector

The next morning, I was awoken by the soft hum of the ship, the familiar sound welcoming a new day. Dawnmarie was already up, rushing to get ready for StarShip Operation Orientation.

"Can't talk. I have to rush to orientation. Help me, it starts in less than an hour and I need to leave quickly. By the way, where is the nearest shuttle bus located and how often does the shuttle bus run?" asked Dawnmarie of the Lockheart House.

"That's my sister for you. The nearest shuttle bus is due east about two blocks away and it runs every 30 minutes," I replied as she rushed out the door with a single slice of toast in her mouth.

I need to pick up a new Devilan Notebook at the Bookstore along with some new Book Cartridges. Can't attend class without the proper Book Cartridges. After breakfast I left for the Shopping District above deck. The upper deck is reserved for higher ranking members of society. They can be more expensive but it's a lot nicer than the other decks.

After arriving in the Shopping District I was greeted by a wonderful site. Including the smell of freshly baked bread as it filled the air. The fantastic dresses in the window seal that weren't military themed like the ones back home on our homeworld Mithraeum. I almost forgot why I came here something about buying a newer model of the Devilan Notebook

"Excuse me sir can you help me? I need to find a shop that sells the newest Devilan Notebook. Can you help me?" I asked as I approached the young handsome looking gentleman.

"Of course I'd be more than happy to assist such a lovely lady like yourself. By the way I see that you are part of the Lockheart House, that is impressive," He replied as he kissed my hand.

It's common practice for Mithreans to display their House crest on the right arm on their uniforms or as a necklace of sorts.

"Allow me to accompany you to the bookstore. It's right this way please follow me," said Hector of the Darkhawk House as my heart skipped a beat and he guided me to the bookstore by hand.

"You are quite the gentleman and I didn't catch your name," I said.

"Excuse me, where are my manners? The names Hector of the Darkhawk House and I'm a proud member of the StarShip Science Guild. What might your name be?" asked Hector of the Darkhawk House.

"I am Sunmarie of the Lockheart House and I'm a proud member of the StarShip Captains Guild. I am pleased to meet you," I said as I giggled before turning away.

"We're almost there right this way. By the way, what are you looking for?" asked Hector of the Darkhawk House.

"I need to purchase some stuff for my upcoming classes at Galactica StarShip Academy next week with my twin sister," I stated.

"You don't say, would you mind introducing me to your twin sister?" asked Hector of the Darkhawk House.

"Never mind my sister. I can introduce you to her later on in the meantime I must pick up what I came for," I said with unease.

I hope this doesn't turn out like last time. The last time I Invited a handsome man over, Dawnmarie ended up flirting with him and before I knew it he fell head over heels for my twin sister.

"Would you mind holding these bags for me while I check out the map posted up ahead," I asked as I winked at Hector, the very attractive man.

"Not at all I'd be more than happy to assist you anyway I can," said Hector of the Darkhawk House.

As we approached the map, I made sure to sway my hips just a smidgen more than necessary, hoping to catch Hector's attention. I pointed at the map and leaned in toward him, our shoulders almost touching. Suddenly, my foot caught on a protruding edge of the station floor. I stumbled forward, and instantly, a sharp pain shot up through my ankle. I gasped in pain, clutching Hector's arm for support.

"Oh, Sunmarie! Are you okay?" Hector of the Darkhawk House voice was filled with concern.

"I think I've sprained my ankle," I managed to say through gritted teeth.

Without another word, Hector bent down and scooped me into his arms as if I weighed no more than an empty spacesuit. I blushed at the unexpected proximity but didn't protest. We started toward my dorm, Hector moving with a quickness that belied the burden he was carrying.

"Don't worry, Sunmarie," said Hector of the Darkhawk House, his voice soft.

"We'll get you back to your dorm so you can rest up." I nodded, trying to ignore the throbbing in my leg.

Maybe today's incident wouldn't be so bad after all. When we arrived at the dorm I was hoping my sister would still be out running errands. That's not how my luck works. Sure enough she was in the dorm room reading over the digital orientation booklet. When she noticed me at the front door trying to limp away and rushed quickly to my side.

"Sunmarie are you alright I was worried about you? I was hoping the two of us could go out shopping together in the Upper Deck. Since you're hurt I could stay here with you would that be okay? By the way, who's that handsome man who brought you home?" asked Dawnmarie of the Lockheart House as she approached him using her girly charms to seduce him.

"Hello I'm Hector of the Darkhawk House and a proud member of the StarShip Science Guild," said Hector of the Darkhawk House.

"Hi there I'm Dawnmarie of the Lockheart House and a proud member of the Starz Mechanic Guild,' said Dawnmarie of the Lockheart House smiling.

There goes my chance. I had the feeling she'd fall heads over heels for another man I brought home.

As the day wore on, Dawnmarie was a whirl of energy, fluttering between caring for me and laying down her best flirty remarks at Hector. She was subtle but persistent, her eyes sparkling with mischief every time she passed him a tool or made a lighthearted joke.

"Dawnmarie, you should have been a nurse," said Hector of the Darkhawk House, joking, grinning.

"You're pretty good at this," said Hector of the Darkhawk House.

"Oh, don't flatter me, Hector," Dawnmarie of the Lockheart House replied, her cheeks flushing with a color that matched the sunset outside.

"I just want my sister to be comfortable," said Dawnmarie of the Lockheart House.

In the midst of all this, our conversation naturally shifted toward the approaching Galactica StarShip Academy session.

"So, you're attending the Academy too?" Hector of the Darkhawk House asked, glancing between us as he accepted a glass of water from Dawnmarie.

"Yes, we're both excited about it," Dawnmarie replied, her enthusiasm unabated despite the long day.

"It's all we've been talking about for weeks," I nodded in agreement, albeit with less buoyancy.

The incident today had been a stark reminder of the risks involved. But I knew better than to voice these fears now. After all, the Galactica StarShip Academy was just days away, and like it or not, we were about to embark on an epic journey into the unknown.