Dare: A M/M Sci-Fi Romance (Mindset Duet Book 1)

32. Chapter 32

The first year back to Earth was quiet. Dare became more aware of the crew outside of his clients and participated in their holidays and celebrations. All faiths were represented within the crew, so it seemed that every week there was some celebration or service to mark the day. Birthdays, anniversaries of service on Gambit, or otherwise, were acclaimed in smaller ways, but not forgotten. Besides poker night, there were ”pub” quizzes once a week, with silly or useful prizes awarded.

Having realized that he could not maintain the same level of confidentiality on the ship, as everyone knew what everyone else was doing, Dare did not feel uncomfortable joining in. Jason, who had always held himself aloof, was finally cajoled into a quiz night with Dare. He did well, but didn”t win, later confessing he didn”t want to take a prize from someone who might need it. Dare was touched by his thoughtfulness, knowing his usual desire to win every contest. Dare, who was not competitive, played only because he enjoyed it, but now wondered about winning when he had no need. That was a problem to be faced, if it ever occurred.

Jason and Dare”s relationship strengthened, and their connection only grew. Jason”s symptoms abated, although he had the occasional nightmare. They discussed his family history until Dare was very glad he would never meet them. Jason was grimly determined to cut all ties with them, although he encouraged the empath to contact his parents.

”J, I don”t want to talk to them anymore than you want to see your father. They are afraid of me, and would no doubt tell the Office of Gifted Services exactly where I am. Your family coerced you while mine abandoned me. Neither of us won the parent lottery.”

The older man ran a hand over his face. ”You got that right. I”ll quit bugging you about them since they don”t deserve you any more than my parents deserve me. You”re my family now, and I”m yours.”

The empath nodded solemnly. ”You are and I am. We are a small, but mighty, family, and unstoppable.”

”Gods, I love you so much.”

”Good thing, since this family is forever. I love you even more.”

Six months out from Earth, Jason met with the captain. He wanted to make sure they were on the same page as far as his upcoming discussion with his father. He”d belatedly realized that the crew would have to be on board with this as well. Dare had clients to see, but already knew of his plan and had agreed to it. The older man made the appointment with Riis for the following day, then reread his notes again. There could be no loopholes, nothing that his father could slither through, if he was going to get everything he needed to be independent from the Stravettas.

Meeting Captain Arends first thing in the morning was not the way either of them preferred to start their day. Jason, raised to have impeccable manners, fell back on those as the captain rose from his desk to welcome him.

”Mr. Stravetta, what can I do for you? If this is concerning Derek, I”m afraid he is still missing.”

”Good morning, Captain. Thank you again for having the crew look for my erstwhile bodyguard. I”ve concluded that Derek, wherever he may be, is not coming back. I will inform my father that he has gone missing when I speak with him.”

The captain indicated he should sit, then resumed his own chair. ”My thanks for taking on that unhappy duty. I was not looking forward to telling Mr. Stravetta, Senior, that we had somehow misplaced one of his employees. I take it then Derek is not why you asked for this appointment?”

Jason smiled faintly as he shook his head. ”No, it is not. I will be contacting my father soon, and wished to confirm that you are still willing to work directly with me without the safety net of the Stravetta corporation. My discussion with him will be, of course, confidential. It will be my last conversation with him, as I expect to be released from any family constraints and given complete autonomy over this ship. I understand the crew will need to be apprised of this and given the choice of staying or leaving. When you have that conversation with them, please let them know wages will rise twenty percent initially, with bonuses at the end of each successful run.”

Captain Arends gazed at the other man, nodding agreeably. ”That is quite generous. If any wish to leave, will you afford them safe passage back to Earth?”

”I will have them delivered in my personal shuttle, with separation pay.” Stravetta met the captain”s eyes. ”I hope that you and the crew will wish to buy into the Gambit”s success with personal shares offered by myself. The monies from those sales will set up a retirement fund for the crew, and indeed, yourself, captain. It would be possible for the crew or yourself to withdraw money from that account if needed, prior to retirement.”

Stravetta leaned forward. ”We have not spoken of how breaking away from the Stravetta corporation would look financially. To put it succinctly, captain, I am a very wealthy man in my own right. I am also a good businessman. I plan on using the Gambit for more colony runs, as that has proven profitable. While we do that, we will make contacts at the different worlds we pass and set up trading contracts. I was thinking we would try for closer planets than New Eire, so to minimize ship time and allow for the odd stopover for trade. I know this will take time to set up, but I will have no difficulty keeping this ship running as it is in the interim.”

Jason paused, eyes never leaving the captain. ”Does this sound plausible to you? I can make my financial statements available to you to confirm what I have shared. You already know I have no desire to command this vessel and will rely on you to do so.”

Arends leaned back, his expression thoughtful. ”I have a few questions before I decide. Why isn”t Dare with you?”

Jason leaned back in his chair with a sigh. ”He had clients scheduled and is already aware of this plan and agrees with it. As for your second, yet unspoken question–no, I didn”t have Derek killed, and did not kill him myself. I don”t miss him, but I did not harm him. As I”ve said before, I”m not a killer unless I”m a soldier. Does that reassure you?”

Arends slid his chair in tight to his desk, folding his hands on top. ”I believe you, Mr. Stravetta, but I had to know. Yes, I think this is a workable plan and I”m willing to present it to the crew. I will have Mr. Sorenson set up mandatory meetings in between work shifts, and give you their answer in, say, three days’ time?”

”That will be perfect. I won”t be contacting my father until we are closer to Earth. Do you wish to view my financials?”

The captain shook his head. ”No need. You wouldn”t have offered if they weren”t all you said.”

Jason gave him a genuine smile. ”I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

The captain offered him his own grudging smile. ”We”d better hope that happens, Mr. Stravetta, or it won”t be pretty.”

They stared at each other for a moment, before Jason rose, giving the captain a nod. ”Thank you for your time, Captain.”

Arends stood up slowly. ”At least, it was worth it, Mr. Stravetta. Make an appointment to see me in three days, and we”ll make this official.”

Jason gave him a quick nod, turned, and left, giving Riis a smile as he made another appointment, then left the outer office. Walking down the corridor, Jason mused to himself.

He was committed and there was no turning back.