Southern Cross by Windstar

Casting a quick glance around the command center, she made certain that her very recently
assembled bridge crew was busy, before leaning forward.
"Oh really? And what's the usual time it takes to learn how to do this?"
The grin turned into a slow smile and Julie found herself leaning further forward even as Emily
leaned toward her as well.
"Twelve hours or so, but I'm sure it won't take you that long."
"Oh really?"
"Yes. You're far too smart and beautiful to do anything normally. Like your penchant for getting
into trouble."
"That wasn't my fault!"
"So you say. But you promised you would stay out of trouble, remember."
Emily surged forward, and before Julie could rebut her, stole a quick kiss. Julie had just enough
time to feel the press of warm lips against her own, before Emily stood and stretched, grinning at
what Julie was certain was a shocked expression on her own face.
"Come walk with me? You're Warp Gate generators need a half hour to recharge before you can
try again anyway. A bit of a stretch will help."
It sounded like a good idea, and she did her best to ignore the bit of discomfort that had followed
that kiss. It wasn't that she hadn't enjoyed it, her heartbeat felt like it had doubled, and her palms
were sweaty. She just wasn't used to open shows of affection. Being raised by the Army since
she was young probably was to blame for that. Doing her best to hide that discomfort and switch
the topic to something more neutral, Julie led the way out of the meters thick blast doors which
would seal off the Command deck during battle, past the Marine guards stationed outside, and
then down the corridor outside to the lift. From there, it was a short trip to one of the outer decks,
where she could walk near the armored view ports, and watch the star-studded void outside her
hull. Emily and, now her own set of Marine Honor Guards followed along at a respectful
distance.
"I need to choose a Provost soon don't I?"
"Yes, as soon as your ship self passes it's builders trials, and we return to Mars."
Ignoring the speculative glance that the taller woman was giving her as they walked, Julie
returned the nods of passing crewmembers. The last month had been a whirlwind of activity, and
she still felt slightly off-balance. She was a year ahead of the other gifted humans who were still
studying and preparing for their own bonding with the other Guardian-Class ships being built in
Mars orbit. No doubt due to the fact that she had used her gift throughout the time she had aided