Gone with the Solar Winds

McManus of the Red Jillian eased the ship into the port of the Skyplex. His heart heavy with guilt, regret, and longing.

Renfield.

He missed him. He had missed him the moment he left but anger and jealousy had clouded him into making a hasty decision. Their closeted affair had been an intense whirlwind. Forbidden kisses stolen in dark corners, the barest brushes of affection disguised as casual touches.

They had denied the truth of their feelings for so long and any Captain worth their salt knew … shipboard romance rarely ended well.

The subtle innuendos between them continued, often catching the other in a too-long stare. The Captain found himself captivated longer and longer by the sweet and tender Renfield. His attention did not go unnoticed, often the Captain found his heart quickening when their eyes met no matter how brief. He struggled not to lose himself in the depths of his eyes full of mirth and kindness.

The more time the Captain found himself spending with Renfield the more he felt his will to remain strictly professional deteriorate. He found during their late-night games he would sit and lean a little closer and their fingers lingered longer when they touched as they passed cards to one another.

Then one night their fingers didn't linger, they touched. Their eyes didn't steal glances they held. It was so sudden and random when their lips crashed together and eager fingers fumbled stubborn buttons.

No profession of love was needed that night. Suddenly the loneliness of the black was a little less lonely and a lot less cold.

McManus kept their passion secret. Mostly to glean whatever measure of privacy he could on a ship where such a thing was a commodity. Their nightly rendezvous was all the more exciting because of it.

After a while, it seemed things had started to cool between the secret lovebirds. McManus grew more and more concerned as0 Renfield withdrew from him and he could feel the distance growing.

McManus grew resentful and bitter too wrapped up in the idea that another was stealing what was his. Was the center of his 'verse seeking solace in the arms of another. The green-eyed monster in him grew.

Then an opportunity arose, a scuffle at a game of cards. If he could not have him then no one could and in a fit of bitter jealousy he banished him from his heart and his ship.

He instantly regretted his rashness, immediately his heart ached as he watched the love of his life walk away. The lilt of his shoulders seemed to match his own. The burden of heartache was heavy.

"My god …" McManus whispered. "... What have I done?"

The weeks that followed were a haze of sorrow. A lot he could not pull himself out of. Worse, he found that his love had been struggling with his own demons. It had not been the arms of another he had fallen into but rather sought his solace at the bottom of a bottle.

The Captain found himself calling his contacts as to the whereabouts of his wayward doctor. He had too much to say so much to apologize for. With a little luck, Captain McManus walked down the gangplank and began his search for the Lunar Veil.

McManus' breath caught seeing Renfield again. Casually talking to some fellow crew member. Their eyes met and he could feel well of longing driving his feet all the faster.

Renfield excused himself and they chose a secluded spot to talk. The moment they were alone, choked apologies spilled from his lips, confessions of love burst forward, and promises to be better were made.

Renfield's eyes glittered with joyful tears. He sniffed only saying 'I love you too'

McManus clutched Renfield's hand to his chest it felt so natural like everything was right in the 'verse again. He never wanted to apart. So asked Renfield to elope with him so they could spend their days together looking at the stars.

"What in the holy hell -" Jago interrupted while pouring his coffee. "- this is what you get for teaching her letters." Shaking his head at Vas.

"Hey don't blame me! We never covered this!" Vas said defensively.

"What do you mean I learned it on account of all the books you hide-" Serena started.

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!" Vas shouted, face turning bright red.

Serena scowled. She liked her version much better than the truth. Thinking about the doc going off with the love of his life was more romantic, less mundane. He left, that’s what happens on a ship, not because of her or anything she did. Maybe it was more credits or a better schedule, but-- the starry-eyed teen let out a dreamy sigh. She had her imagination.

"Does she write about any of the other crew like that?" Jago asked uncomfortably.

There was a long silence. Vas slurped his tea awkwardly and walked away.

Jago shook his head and walked off to the cockpit.

Patch, who had been hanging on every word exclaimed. "Wait! That's it?! What happens next!"

Serena giggled and moved her seat closer to Patch leaning in to dish!