Rating: NC17

Spoilers: None

Author: Vasalysa, with many undying thanks to Geek.

E-mail: cmbower@ennorath.net Comments are always welcome

At 0800, McQueen stood impatiently at the nurses' station, Cassie at his side.

Dr. Connelly appeared from her office. "Colonel." She gave the young woman at his side a glance.

"Dr. Connelly. This is Cassie Silver. She arrived last night."

"Nice to meet you, Cassie."

"You, too, doctor."

Connelly smiled. "Shall we see if we can gain access to my patient?"

"Yes, doctor." McQueen motioned for Connelly to precede him.

Jake stepped out of Silver's room. "Cassie? What are you doing here?"

"Well, that answers one question," murmured Connelly.

"Hi, Uncle Jake."

To her credit, Cassie didn't try to hide behind McQueen. Appreciating that, McQueen placed his hand on her lower back to show his support. She flashed him a quick grin before facing her uncle. "I know I shouldn't be here, but I really need to talk to Mom."

"She's in no shape to deal with your childish pranks," growled Jake.

"No pranks, Jake. And Silver will definitely want to see Cassie." McQueen pushed Cassie toward the room.

"I'll be the judge of that." Jake stiffened. "Cassie's my niece."

"And from what I've heard, you're treating her like a child. She's a teenager, Jake, and she really needs to talk to her mother." McQueen pushed past Jake, letting Cassie open the door. He avoided the grab Jake made for his arm.

"Stop interfering, McQueen. You're not a part of this family."

"But Silver's a part of mine." McQueen stood inside the room, holding the door open for the doctor.

Dr. Connelly brushed past the stunned Jake.

Two beds now occupied the room. Silver stretched out on one, eyes closed, her bad shoulder lightly bandaged, while Griffon had the upper portion of his bed up so he could sit up, reading. Machines were still missing from the room.

Griffon looked up from the book and froze. After a second, he said, "Cassie?"

"Hi, Grif. I hear Mom hurt you pretty bad."

"Not as bad as I'm going to tan your hide if you don't have a damned good reason for being here." Silver's voice was stronger than the last time McQueen had heard it, but still not normal. She opened her eyes and the look she gave both McQueen and Cassie boded ill if she was not satisfied with their answers. "Come here, Cassie."

Silently, Cassie approached her mother on the left side, a tremulous smile on her lips. Once beside the bed, she rested her hand on her mother's arm. "Mom, I know I shouldn't be here, but I had to come."

Silver reached up and touched her daughter's cheek. "Damn, Cassie. I can see you have my bad timing. McQueen, get Finch and the others. Have them go to my quarters. Tell them what's up. Cassie'll be joining them there in a few minutes."

"Yes, Silver."

As McQueen spun on his heel, Silver looked at Griffon. "Grif, what kind of shape are you in?"

"Depends on what you want me to do?"

"Cassie needs some teaching."

"Damnation." Griffon sighed, closing his eyes. With another sigh, he looked over at Silver and Cassie. "All right. I can do it." Griffon forced himself to sit up fully.

Dr. Connelly glared about the room. "Just a minute. I'm the doctor here and I will decide who is ready for getting out of bed."

Silver chuckled. "Doctor, I'm going to assume you have some idea of what we are."

"Damn right, I do. And I've figured out what's with your daughter. But-"

"But, doctor, she needs instruction now. She's already craving blood. In fact..." Silver stared at her daughter, who refused to meet her eyes. "Cassie, how long have you been aboard?"

"Since a little after midnight. The colonel stayed with me in your quarters."

"Did you-"

"No. But I was drawn to him. It's the closest I've come to losing control."

"Damn." Silver pulled Cassie down onto her chest, hugging her tightly, taking comfort herself from Cassie's presence. "Doctor, she needs Griffon now, before she loses control and attacks someone. Griffon will be able to control her. In fact, he shouldn't need to get very active at all. Not with Finch and the others there."

Griffon snorted. "Right. I remember how you were." He looked at Connelly. "But Silver's right. I'm far enough removed as a relative that it is not incest, and the first time should be with a vampire Cassie feels comfortable having around. I'm the only choice."

"Doctor, go ahead and check Griffon out. I'm sure you'll find that he's remarkably healed, considering what I did to him." Silver tugged on Cassie and smiled down at her daughter as Cassie climbed onto the bed with her. "You stay here until we have everything settled."

Connelly stood irresolute for a few seconds, and then walked over to Griffon.

"Now, Cassie, why did you come here?"

"I had to come. Everything told me to come to you, Mom. And when Uncle Jake took off, well, no one was left in the family for me to go to. Grandfather and Nana had left for that symposium in Germany. Uncle Peter is somewhere in the Orient, Uncle Patrick is in Scotland, and Uncle Jake was here. And the only place I had permission to go to was Edwards. A transport was headed here with supplies. I snuck on and hid. The MPs found me when the transport was being unloaded." Cassie hugged her mother. "I'm sorry if I caused a lot of trouble, but I knew I had to come to you."

"You did the right thing." Silver kissed her daughter's forehead. "Jake?"

Jake was slowly shaking his head. "Dammit, it's bad timing. How is she going to get back home?"

"You'll just have to delay your departure for a day. I'm sure the others won't mind."

"One of them could deal with Cassie."

"Jake! Are you deliberately trying to anger me? Because if you are, you're doing a helluva job."

"No, of course not, Lysa. I'm just trying to point out that there are alternatives to Griffon teaching Cassie." Jake folded his arms.

"She doesn't know them or trust them. She knows and trusts Griffon. And Jake, shut the hell up or I'm going to get up and shut you up myself. And you know I can. Even in the shape I'm in, I can take you down."

Jake raised his hands and backed up. "Fine, Lysa, whatever you say. It's out of my hands."

"Fine."

McQueen returned. "They're alerted and on their way."

"Good. Take Cassie there please." Cassie slid off the bed. "Griffon will be there in a few minutes. As soon as Dr. Connelly is satisfied with his condition." Silver inwardly smiled as the doctor grimaced from where she stood beside Griffon.

"All right. He may go. But I want him back here in this bed afterward." Dr. Connelly turned toward Silver. "And you are staying where you are."

With a nod, Silver said, "I had no plans to the contrary, doctor. My shoulder needs to be reset, among other things."

Connelly strode over to Silver's bed. "Let's take a look."

"McQueen, can you take them both?"

"Yes."

McQueen helped Griffon onto his feet. "Cassie, can you support his other side?"

"Sure." Cassie moved under Griffon's left arm as McQueen took Griffon's right side.

Connelly followed the three out. "Colonel, stay away for a couple of hours. I have work to do."

"Yes, doctor."

McQueen occupied himself for three hours by finishing up the mission report. He dropped it off at Ross' office, giving his friend a quick update. Since he hadn't heard from Griffon, he didn't stop by Silver's quarters, not wanting to interfere.

He hesitated outside Silver's Sickbay room, glancing through the now clear door windows. Shoulder in a cast, Silver appeared to be alone. Slowly he slipped through the swinging doors.

"Morning, Ty."

"Morning, Lysa. How are you doing?"

"A lot better than yesterday. Sorry for the scare." Silver raised the upper portion of the bed.

"What happened?" McQueen pulled the chair over beside her bed.

"The medication was only taking the edge off the pain when you left. I had a lot of trouble sleeping and knew better than to take a sedative. I managed a few dozes. When Griffon came by, my control was shot."

"What set you off?"

"He said something, I don't remember what. It ticked me off, whatever it was." Silver shook her head, remembering all too well Griffon's remark. 'God, Lysa, I spent all night dreaming about McQueen. How the hell could you not bind him?' Her tenuous control had snapped and she remembered the shocked look on Griffon's face when she had lunged out of the bed, snarling, 'Keep away from him, bastard!' After that, her memory was a blank, but she knew what she had done.

The face before him a frown, McQueen knew she could remember something, but he decided that it'd be better not to press. "Did you get to read Paul's letter?"

"Yes. He is a bright young man." Silver laughed softly. "He told me to keep an eye on you and the others. Thanked me again for rescuing him and the others. He also wanted to know why he hadn't heard from Adam for a while." She sighed. "Plus he wondered how my last mission had gone. He wanted to know how you were really doing, since your letters to him were so short. He was certain something was wrong."

"He should like the letter he gets then. I recorded, saved, and packaged it before I could back out of it. I mailed it right before breakfast yesterday." McQueen almost hesitated before asking, "Are you going to tell him about Adam?"

"I don't think that's my job."

McQueen sighed, but met her gaze steadily. "You're right. I'll send him another letter tomorrow. Postmaster will probably keel over in shock. Two personal letters from me in three days." That got him the chuckle he had been hoping for. He could still see the shadow of pain in her eyes. "Do you need medicine?"

Shaking her head, Silver took a deep breath. "It's pain of the soul. Not too many doctors can heal that."

"No." McQueen tried to find a new topic that might cheer her up. "Did you know what Griffon had in mind to teach me?"

"Not exactly. All he said was he was going to take you to a new level."

"Understatement of the year." McQueen ran his fingers through his hair. "He actually talked me into allowing him to bind me to the bed."

She sighed. "Damn. I was hoping to be the one to introduce you to that. I wanted to teach you about letting go of the control."

Staring at his hands, he barely whispered. "He called me wanton. Said it was a beautiful sight."

"Ty, you're delicious fully dressed. Naked you're a feast."

He glanced up wondering if she was teasing him. Her eyes were completely serious.

Her voice had a husky quality to it when she continued speaking. "Ty, even naked and bleeding you are gorgeous to me. I love looking at you, even during your worst moments." She sighed, toying with her hair. "I would have loved to have seen you, though."

"Really?" His voice still low, McQueen thought frantically, wondering if he dared-.

"Can you doubt it, Ty?" Silver grimaced as she attempted to reach out to him. "Get up here where I can reach you, Ty."

He sat on the bed. As her hand rested on his thigh, he felt his body respond to the memories of both her and Griffon. "It's not that I exactly doubt you. I've never had anyone so blatantly telling me how much they want me." He covered her hand with his own.

"Ty, I've wanted you since I first set eyes on you at Loxley, all those years ago. I actually watched you go out to your Hammerhead one morning. And when the chance came to actually work with you, how the hell could I not finagle my way into the 5-8?"

The motion of her thumb rubbing the inside of his thigh made McQueen's pulse race. "Loxley, hm?"

"Oh, yes. You walked in with the rest of the 127th and immediately sat down at the bar, alone. It was all I could do to drag my eyes off you and ask my friend who the hell you were. I used my friend shamelessly in order to keep tabs on you whenever you were on Earth. Including after losing your leg. And in space I used other friends to keep me informed on you." Silver shifted her hand slightly and hid her smile when he inhaled sharply. The struggle in his eyes as he tried to decide whether to move closer, giving her better access, or to scoot back a few inches made her regret the fact she was ensconced in a hospital room. Taking pity on him, Silver eased her hand back into the former position.

"Silver, how long before you're out of here?"

"In all probability, a week."

McQueen gripped her hand hard. "No sooner?"

Shaking her head, Silver said, "No quicker way with all the stress around here."

"What do you mean?"

"In a less stressful environment, I could enter a sort of hibernation state and accelerate my healing that way. But I would be starved when I came out and would be forced to hunt."

"Hunt? People?"

"No, animals, Ty." She smacked his thigh. "It's a total reversion to the primal form. Earth is perfect for it. I would go out into the wilderness for several days and just hunt, mostly a lot of rabbits, but the occasional deer. Afterward, I would be mostly healed."

"I wish I could provide you with what you need."

"You've done a great deal already, Ty. Enough guilt. No more games of what if' or I should've,' all right?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now, how about a kiss?"

McQueen obliged, cradling her face between his hands and wishing he could speed up her healing. He wanted her out of Sickbay. Even more, he wanted her in his bed where he could make love to her as she deserved. Her good arm curled around his chest, pulling him closer and he drew the kiss out as long as he could. Coming up for air, he stretched out on the bed beside her, leaning on an elbow.

The door opened. "Col. McQueen, you were not given permission to get on the bed."

Before moving off the bed, McQueen gave Silver a sheepish grin. "Caught," he whispered. "Sorry, Dr. Connelly. A little impromptu PT incentive."

Dr. Connelly snorted softly. "Right," she drawled. "At least you're a quick thinker. Now get. I have some things to discuss with my patient. You may return after lunch."

He leaned over and gave Silver a kiss on the cheek. "See you later."

"Ok. Why don't you write that letter?" Silver caressed his cheek in return.

"You really know how to kill a good mood." He straightened. "But you're right. I'll have it in the mail before I come back."

"Good idea."

She watched him leave, his back straight, but not stiff. She knew it would be a hard task for him, but they both knew how easy it would be to keep putting it off. The letter would be hard for him, not being the usual death notification letter. He had to explain to one of his kids' why his actions had caused Adam to commit suicide.

"A difficult letter?"

"Very difficult. Did you know Adam?"

"Unfortunately, no. I was assigned here a week after you left for your mission." Connelly folded her arms and said, "As to why I'm here. I didn't go into detail before as to the extent of your injuries. I feel I better give you a better idea of exactly what damage has been done."

"I know I broke my shoulder as impossible as that sounds. But slamming into a cliff side and then falling from a fair distance is an excellent way of breaking bones." Silver ran her good hand through her hair. "Internal injuries, broken ribs, strains, sprains, and other assorted injuries. Sound about right?"

"Yes. About your shoulder first, you broke the scapula, that's what everyone calls the shoulder blade. It broke into three sections and started healing incorrectly. From what the bone scanner shows, it looks like you must have damaged the knitting areas several times."

"Five times, doctor."

"Deliberately?"

"Only twice. I knew it would have to be done when I was rescued."

"Severe muscle damage was inflicted by those actions."

"I know. I had a lot of trouble with the arm."

"You also fractured the labrum portion of you shoulder socket."

"Which is?"

"The outer edge of the socket. The back portion of the socket has two fractures in it. Also, you suffered damage to your rotator cuff."

"Sounds like I pretty much screwed up my shoulder."

"You did, but I think if we can keep it immobilized for the next several days, the majority of the damage will have started to heal. We used bone glue to put all the various broken sites back together. By tomorrow morning, the chances of the breaks being re-broken will be small, if you refrain from outrageous actions." Connelly stared at her patient. "I know you want to get active, but you just have to wait until you've healed enough. Once I have an idea of how fast you heal, I'll give you an idea of your PT schedule."

"Better yours than my brother's. He'd drop me off in the top of a tree and tell me to climb down."

"What?"

"Not really, but it would be the equivalent. He's a damned good PT, but he can get carried away if you're a relative."

Connelly nodded. "Now, as to duties once I clear you from here. You will be confined to a desk for at least a month during which time you will continue your physical therapy. Any setbacks will result in your staying on desk duty for longer."

"Is bridge duty equivalent to desk duty?"

"After two weeks, I'll allow you to work on the bridge."

"I can live with that. Let's hope the commodore can. He wants me on the bridge during any space fights." Silver winced as her shoulder twinged. "How long will you leave the cast on my shoulder?"

"Two days. After that, the bones should be set enough that we can get away with a sling."

"Good. I feel distinctly unbalanced with the cast."

"I want to make sure that the bones are strong enough to handle your moving around under normal circumstances."

"I understand, doctor. I do want to heal up correctly." Silver smiled. "I want to get back to work as soon as possible. I have the feeling that things are not going to remain relatively quiet for long."

Connelly asked, "What did you find out, colonel?"

"The Chigs are up to some nasty things out there, doctor. I'm afraid you're going to have some busy times ahead." Silver closed her eyes.

"I get the message. Colonel, you need to rest as much as possible."

"I know. But I get bored very quickly. How long before I can be released from Sickbay?"

"If you are a good patient, I might let you out after another five days."

"Five days, huh? All right. I should be able to handle that. Just let me have my visitors and some sort of recreation, ok?"

"What sorts of recreation?"

"Mostly music, books and occasional board games. Oh, and the ability to record some messages."

"Not poker?" Connelly smiled.

"I wouldn't turn it down."

"All right. You can have your recreation and visitors, as long as you keep it reasonable."

"Agreed. I'll try to keep the squad from descending on Sickbay as a unit."

"That would be helpful. Now, colonel, try to rest and get some sleep before lunch."

"Is it going to be something resembling food?"

"Yes."

"Very well, doctor."

As Connelly left, Silver lowered the bed and closed her eyes. Thoughts of McQueen bound on his bed, naked, flitted through her mind and it took her a while to get to sleep.

McQueen entered Silver's room quietly. The letter to Paul had been hard, harder than most death notifications that he had done. He felt he had done a poor job of explaining, but had eventually saved it. The recording now resided in the mail system. The somber mood writing the letter had created remained with him, despite having lunch with the squad. They had realized his mood and their antics had been low key.

"I can see the mood you're in." Silver studied him over the book in her hand. "You don't have to keep me company, Ty. Go do whatever would make you feel better."

"I can do that here."

Silver cocked her head at him. "And that would be?"

"Read. Listen to music. Try to take my mind off it by having good conversation." He gave her an amused look.

"All right. I get the idea." She laughed. "So, which would you like to do first?"

Three hours later, McQueen looked up as Griffon limped into the room and slowly eased onto his bed. McQueen paused in reading from the first of the McCaffrey books. Silver's hand tightened on his thigh and he marked his place.

"How's Cassie, Griffon?"

"Doing fine. She was enjoying herself when I left. She listens well. No incidents." Griffon's eyes closed. "Unlike someone else I remember."

"You've just learned how to deal with the Silver women is all." Silver chuckled.

"Hope you're up to the challenge she represents, McQueen. She's a handful." Griffon smiled, but kept his eyes closed.

"Can't be worse than when I first took over the 58th. Five kids at once. And I had no idea how to deal with them."

"She's not that bad... I think."

"You're lucky there's no handy projectiles, Grif." A faint smile touched Silver's lips.

"It's the prerogative of long association. I have a ton of stories I could tell him."

"If you like living, you'll keep the embarrassing ones to a minimum," growled Silver, a mock frown on her face. "Besides, I have a few stories of my own."

"Uncle." Griffon's weary voice held amusement.

"Go to sleep, Grif."

"Thanks. I think I will." Griffon rolled onto his side.

McQueen gave Silver a concerned look.

"It's normal. He's just a bit more tired than usual due to his injuries."

"Did he- I mean-"

"No. He didn't have sex with Cassie. I'm guessing Russell got that honor after suitable preparation. It wouldn't do for Cassie to get pregnant. She's much too young."

"So what exactly happened?" McQueen closed the book after noting the page number.

"There's a lot she has to learn." Silver sidestepped the question slightly. "She needs to learn how to drink without harming, how to monitor the one she's drinking from, how to keep control and how to recognize when she needs to drink. Plus how to ask nicely."

"And don't forget the sex part," McQueen added dryly.

"Never."

"So given your evasive answer, I will assume that Cassie has learned only the extreme basics of what you've listed." McQueen tapped the book absently on his knee.

"Depending on how long Griffon lasted, yes." Silver noted his straightening in the chair. "He will have taught her what she needs to know to survive the next several days."

"What about the trip back? Won't she need someone?"

"She should be fine for the ten to twelve hour trip. By the time she gets home, my parents will have made arrangements for her first circle selection." Silver sighed. "I have to talk to Cassie about that. It's rare when you keep anyone from your first circle past a year or so. Some it will be a matter of you just can't get along. Others it's because you're going in different directions with your lives. The circle is constantly changing. After all, you don't want to force someone to remain with you if it's against their wishes. I lucked out with my choice of Gayle. She's been a good friend since that first time and whenever I'm on Earth, she seeks me out to renew her standing in the circle. I'm going to suggest to Cassie that she ask Gayle."

"Shouldn't she be choosing from those her own age?"

"Some will be, but there needs to be some older heads involved. People able to keep tabs on how things are going and avert disaster. Seven or so teenagers can get into a lot of mischief."

The name Gayle prompted, "Gayle Trenton?"

"Yes."

"She's a flight instructor at Loxley. Always around whenever I went to the flight strip. I remember she took my picture one day before I returned to the Toga. She refused to give it to me. Said it was a gift to a friend."

"It's a very powerful picture, Ty. Actually, it's one of a set of four she took that day. If my album comes back, I'll show them to you. Rage, despair, resignation, and acceptance, all in the space of ten mikes. If it had been anyone else but you, Ty, I would have let Gayle submit them to the regional contest." The stunned look on his face made Silver smile. "What? Didn't think someone would think you were photogenic?"

"Silver, no one ever wanted pictures of just me. Even Amy wanted photos of the two of us."

"The more fool her. Ty, I would want pictures of you in states the Corps does not like to think of its officers in."

Curiosity reared its head. "Like?" A part of him dreaded the answer.

"A bubble bath. Certain exercises with the proper incentive added. Things like that."

From the lewd expression on her face, McQueen could conjure up several such incentives. But he forced his mind to the first image. "A bubble bath?"

"Not alone, silly."

That brought other images to mind and McQueen felt the unaccustomed heat of blood flushing his cheeks. "Got it."

"Thought you might."

Dr. Connelly stepped through the doors, her eyes on the computer pad in her hand. She glanced up. "Col. McQueen. Go exercise that body of yours. Then eat dinner. You may return after 1800 hours."

"What about Cassie?"

"If you see her, explain that she may come by around 1700 hours." Dr. Connelly put her hands on her hips. "And tell your squad they may stop by after 1800."

"Yes, doctor." McQueen placed the book on the stand, rising. "I will see you later, Silver."

"Yes."

"My patients need to rest."

McQueen hid his amusement at the doctor's dry tone. He quickly left the room before Connelly saw his amused look. Outside, McQueen paused to consider where he should first go. Cassie first, then the squad, and finally the gym before dinner.

Knocking on Silver's hatch, McQueen heard St. John call out, "Who is it?"

"Colonel McQueen."

"Be a couple of mikes, sir."

"I'll wait."

McQueen leaned against the wall, fully aware of the fact that those who knew him would be shocked. But for a change, he didn't care that he wasn't fitting the image he had spent so much time cultivating.

A few minutes later, the hatch opened. "Come on in, sir." St. John stood, flight suit mostly zipped up.

Knowing what had been going on in the room, McQueen merely ran his gaze over the disheveled Marine as he entered. Within he found Cassie stretched out on the bed sleeping while the other two Marines sat on the floor in disarray.

"Sorry, sir, about not being fully dressed." Russell covered a yawn. "We were napping."

"I didn't expect you to be combat ready." McQueen moved over to the bed, looking down at Cassie. "How's she doing?"

"Fine, sir. She's a fast learner." Finch smiled softly at the girl, unabashed by the fact that her flight suit was open down to her waist. "Her body is going through some readjustments and sleep is actually good for her right now."

"When she wakes up, let her know she can see her mother after 1700 hours. Make sure she eats before then." McQueen fixed Finch with a glare.

"Yes, sir. She'll eat properly."

"Good. I don't want to explain to Silver why her daughter, who is nominally in my care while aboard, missed meals." McQueen hoped that would be all the warning he would have to give.

"Understood, colonel. Cassie will be eating properly." Russell yawned again. "Sorry, sir."

"It's all right. And for your own information, if you want to visit Silver, do so after 1800."

"1800 got it." St. John dropped down into a chair, yawning.

"Get some more sleep, if you can. But make sure Cassie gets to see her mother between 1700 and 1800. It'll be the only time they have together alone tonight."

"Yes, sir," echoed all three.

"I'll see you later."

"Yes, sir."

McQueen found the rest of the squad in their barracks, in various stages of undress. From the stiffness in their movements, he decided that they had used the gym already.

Spotting him, Vansen straightened. "Sir?"

"Nothing's wrong, Vansen. Just thought I'd let you know that Silver will be available for visits after 1800 hours. And I don't mind sharing."

Vansen smiled. "Thank you, sir."

He nodded. "Just back from the gym?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'm on my way there now."

Hawkes looked up from his bunk. "Sir, may I join you?"

"Hawkes, you just finished a round. Why the hell do you want to go again?" West peeled off his sweatshirt and flung it at his bed.

"I just do. I don't expect you to understand." Hawkes stood up, shoulders hunched defensively.

"I could use the company, Hawkes." McQueen suspected Hawkes wanted to talk to him. "The rest of you... About Silver, are you comfortable with what you now know?"

Halfway to the showers, West stopped, towel over his shoulder. "Sir, I am. Silver's good for you. And like she said the first night here, in this room to us, you need someone to remind you to be a man, not just a Marine. That's something we can't do for you."

Phousse leaned against the side of the bunk. "Sir, Silver proved herself over and over. Now that I know some more, I can see why some of the things that didn't make sense to me at the time were that way. Now, I have no problem with the situation."

"And sir, it's fine with me, too." Vansen looked up at McQueen. "I know I've been a real bitch about the situation. But I'm ok about it now. I can even see a few advantages to having the knowledge."

"Good." McQueen motioned for Hawkes to join him. "Will I be seeing you in Sickbay?"

"Yes, sir."

Hawkes remained silent during the trip to the officer's gym. Still in his sweats, Hawkes waited quietly as McQueen changed clothes. He joined McQueen in warm-up exercises in the nearly empty gym.

"Permission to speak freely, sir." Hawkes finished his fiftieth stretch.

"Granted." McQueen walked over to the punching bags.

As McQueen started pummeling the bag, Hawkes stared at the floor mats. "Are you considering becoming her consort?"

"You don't ask easy questions, Hawkes." McQueen landed several solid blows. "I am considering it, yes. Have I made up my mind? No." He punched the bag, hard. "There are several things I must consider before making my decision." Punch. "And I can't tell you about them, at least not now." Punch, punch, kick.

"Are you comfortable with her being what she is?" Hawkes lowered his voice.

"I think so." Kick, kick.

"Would you consider what I am? I mean, if you were me?"

"Possibly." Kick, punch. "Hawkes, it is a decision you'll have to make for yourself, once you have more information." Punch, kick. "You will have to weigh the pros and cons. Then make your decision." Kick, punch.

"You're not helping, sir."

McQueen paused and gave Hawkes an amused look. "You have to make the decision, Hawkes, not me. All I can do is give you the tools to make an informed decision. Ultimately, it's your choice and you will have to live with the consequences, good or ill."

"You think it would be a bad choice?" Worry showed in Hawkes' face.

"I didn't say that." McQueen reached up to grip the young man's shoulder. "Don't worry about it until you have all the information. Then take the time to seriously examine both sides of the issue before making a decision as life changing as this."

Hawkes nodded.

"Now, I'd like to get in a real workout. Will you wrestle with me?"

A delighted grin preceded an enthusiastic "Yes, sir!"

As they moved over to a set of mats, McQueen reflected that it would be nice not to have to curtail his strength and speed. The opportunity to peacefully fully utilize his abilities rarely occurred. With the improved relationship with the squad, he no longer felt awkward asking Hawkes to work out with him. It would allow them both to truly exercise their bodies with out the added worry about inadvertently hurting someone else.

An intense thirty minute workout later, McQueen and Hawkes stopped by unspoken mutual consent, with McQueen the winner by two falls. For a few seconds, McQueen merely stretched out on the mat, aware of the fact that his experience had barely given him the edge over Hawkes' youth, height and weight.

"Starting to feel your age?"

Opening his eyes, McQueen gave Ross a hint of a smile. "Which one? The time since my birth or my conception?"

"The latter." Ross stood at the edge of the mats, dressed in Navy exercise sweats.

Wryly, McQueen admitted, "Some. But it felt good to really let go. Outside of combat."

"I bet." Ross moved over and crouched down by McQueen's head. "I watched the last fifteen mikes. Impressive. I think you gave some of the other onlookers reason to reconsider things."

"Others?" McQueen rolled onto his hands and knees. Springing to his feet, he found a small crowd of about twenty officers standing a discreet distance away. To their left stood the rest of the 58th. "Damn, I wasn't putting on a show," he muttered.

Straightening up, Ross said, "They know that. That's what makes it all the more impressive." Ross kept from patting his friend on the shoulder, aware of how much McQueen hated public displays of touching.

Hawkes stood nearby, obviously prepared to play bodyguard. "Sir?"

Momentarily, McQueen thought of abandoning the rest of his intended workout. But his innate stubbornness reared up. "I'm not finished. They can gawk all they like. But you can leave if you feel uncomfortable, Hawkes."

"No more than you. I'll stick it out, sir."

McQueen nodded his thanks.

"Think you can allow an old man to join you for a bit?"

"We can take it easy on you." McQueen gestured toward the sparring ring. "Feel free to join us when you've warmed up."

The onlookers were treated to the sight of the Toga's commanding officer in the sparring ring, holding his own after another fifteen minutes. By the end of an additional thirty minutes all three called it quits.

Ross leaned against the wall, breathing hard. "Now what?"

"Curls, push-ups, pull-ups, one hundred of each," answered McQueen.

"Don't think I am up to that many."

"Shoot for-" McQueen eyed his friend critically, not wanting to overtax him, "fifty of each. You still need to work out."

Ross nodded. "That's why I'm here. Been spending too much time in my office."

It took twenty minutes for the three to finish. With a self-satisfied smile, McQueen led the way to the changing room, noting that the rest of the squad took up position outside the door. He felt a sense of bone deep tiredness from a hard workout, something he rarely felt these days. But McQueen thought it might become a more familiar feeling.

Slinging his soaked sweatshirt in the bottom of his locker, McQueen looked over at Hawkes. "Thanks."

Hawkes grinned. "I enjoyed it, sir."

"So did I."

"Can we do it more often?"

Considering that it was the first time they had done it, he thought it would be a good thing to do at least once a week. "Yes. I think it would do us both a world of good. And when Silver is up to speed, I suspect she'll be joining us."

"What about Russell, Finch and St. John?"

"They can join if they want to."

"How is Silver doing?" asked Ross, a towel wrapped around his waist.

"Doing fine. Visitors are allowed after 1800 hours."

"I know. The good doctor gave me the boot an hour ago when I tried to stop by." Ross shrugged. "So, are you going to shower or not?"

With a soft chuckle, McQueen flung a towel over his shoulder, unabashed about his nakedness with these two. "Let's go clean up."

The shower refreshed McQueen and he swiftly dressed in his flight suit. "Go on, Hawkes. Get out of those sweats."

"Yes, sir."

"Take the others with you. See you in the mess?"

"Definitely, sir."

Ross sauntered over. "That boy has boundless energy. Where does he keep the batteries?"

"He didn't have to hide that energy. Even at his age, I never exuded that kind of energy." McQueen shook his head. "Sometimes I wish I still had that level, but what I have now is worth the loss."

Squeezing McQueen's shoulder, Ross said, "We all envy the youngsters, McQueen. It's a sign of growing older. What's next?"

"Dinner." McQueen held open the changing room door.

"Mind if I join you?"

"You'd be welcome." McQueen gave his friend a genuine smile. "Afterward, I'll be sharing visiting hours."

"Not for long, I suspect." Ross gave the various officers still in the gym a nod. "Once they've reassured themselves about her condition and had her tell them, they'll vacate the premises. And so will I."

"What? No more pennies to lose?"

Chuckling, Ross said, "All right. But we really need a fourth."

"We have one. Griffon." McQueen let Ross leave the gym first.

"Hm."

"He's not a bad sort... once you get past the bashing part."

"If it's all right with you, then it's fine with me." Ross shook his head slightly, pushing the up arrow for the elevator.

"So how did the inventory go? Ever find those five missing torpedoes?"

"No. I have the sneaking suspicion that someone forgot to keep track of the numbers during one of the big fights."

"I'll tell you which one I'd pick first."

"I think we both pick the fight with the Super Hive Ship."

The elevator door opened. "Yes." McQueen entered the empty car, pushing the nine button. "It would have been easy to lose track of how many salvos we fired."

Ross slumped against the vibrating wall. "What a mess, and what a way to fight a war. But if I don't account for those missing torpedoes, they'll short us five on the next supply run."

"And we definitely don't want that." McQueen frowned, staring at the wall. "We might need those extra torpedoes." He glanced over at his obviously tired friend. "How about I have the squad track down the various records? It'll be a good training exercise for them. They should know more about the Saratoga's operations. After all, they depend on this ship for life."

"I've already got people on it, McQueen."

McQueen shrugged. "So we'll compare notes afterward. See if the numbers add up."

"Since you're going to do it whether I agree or not, I'll give it my blessing."

The elevator door opened and they exited.

"It'll give them something constructive to do and it does somewhat relate to their last mission."

"All right."

Both men had sat down with their trays by the time the 58th arrived, including the three newest.

Russell, covering a yawn, went straight to McQueen. "Cassie has eaten, sir, and is on her way to see her mother."

"Good. Get some food in you."

"Yes, sir."

Ross looked at McQueen. "If the squad joins us often, I guess I better arrange for a larger table."

Leaning back in his chair, McQueen looked thoughtful. "I think mostly it'll be just you, me and Silver. I suspect the squad will revert to their normal eating patterns once Silver is released from Sickbay and back on some sort of duty."

"Some of the other squadrons are going to start demanding equal time with me." Ross sighed.

"You don't have to give it, Glen. We are the best squadron, I'm a long time friend and you don't give us easy assignments. They can't complain that you show us preferential treatment. Besides, you can spend your off-time with whoever you want."

Hawkes stood beside the table. "Commodore, would you rather we ate somewhere else?"

"No, Hawkes. Sit down. I was just telling McQueen that other squadrons are going to be pestering me since I've been spending as much time with the 58th as I have." Ross took a bite of food as Hawkes scooted his chair in.

"There have been some rumblings about it," admitted Vansen as she sat down. "But not from the various squadron commanders. Mostly they appear to be fine with the situation. At the moment, most of the grumbling is about the length of our down time from this last mission."

"The other pilots ask why and all we tell them is that it was a grueling retrieval." West sat down beside Vansen. "When they press, we say it's compartmentalized. That usually shuts them up."

Setting her tray down, Phousse said, "A couple have ferreted out some of the details. They've told me they can't imagine such a long run. I say, 'Neither could I' and that seems to satisfy them."

"It really was a long run." Hawkes glanced up from his plate.

"And just keep telling them what you have been." McQueen ate a bite of his mystery meat and gravy. "Vansen, I have a task for the squadron. As you may have gathered, the Saratoga is conducting an inventory. Five torpedoes have disappeared. I want you to find them or at least what happened to them."

"Sir, that's a Navy job!" Vansen looked shocked.

"And I'm saying it's now your job." McQueen put his fork down and gave the Marines a cool look. "The Navy supports you in every capacity. Without the Navy, we would not be sitting here, on this vessel. You appear to have little appreciation for the job the Navy does for you. So..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "For the next seven days, while you track down the missing torpedoes, you will learn everything the Navy does for you. In addition to your regular duties. I will expect a comprehensive verbal report from each of you."

Subdued, Vansen nodded. "Yes, sir."

The rest of the squadron muttered their agreements.

"Vansen, I expect rivalry between the Marines and the Navy. But I do not expect you to treat the Navy's jobs as below you. Approach this job as you would any other mission." McQueen turned his sharp gaze on Hawkes. "Hawkes, do you know what will happen if we don't discover what happened to those five torpedoes?"

Frowning, Hawkes thought for a moment. "Supply won't replace them?" McQueen's nod invited him to continue. "Which means the Toga will be short five torpedoes. And if we get into a fierce battle with the Chigs, we might not have enough torpedoes to defend the Toga." A worried look entered Hawkes' face. "Sir, I don't want to lose the Toga."

"Neither do I, Hawkes. Neither does the commodore. So find out what happened to those torpedoes."

"Yes, sir."

After dinner, McQueen headed to Sickbay. He found Cassie stretched out on the bed beside her mother, dozing. Taking Silver's hand in his, McQueen sat beside the bed, sharing a smile with her as he glanced at the sleeping teenager. He spoke softly.

"The squad will be in here shortly as will Ross."

"Figured. So, did you follow the doctor's orders?"

"Yes. Hawkes helped me work out. We both rather enjoyed it."

"Liked not having to hold back, did you?"

"Yes."

"I know what you mean."

Remembering that first morning when she had made her intentions clear, McQueen nodded.

"Hi, Ty." Cassie raised her head up, looking over her mother.

"Evening, Cassie. Feeling all right?"

"Yes. Tired, but Mom explained that it's because of the changes my body is going through." Cassie sat up and stretched. After hugging her mother, Cassie slid from the bed. "Be back in a few."

McQueen sat beside the bed. "Silver?"

"I'm all right."

"What about him?" McQueen jerked his head toward Griffon's bed.

"I'm sure he's all right, too. He slept all afternoon."

"Because your daughter wore me out," grumbled Griffon, still curled on his side.

"She's a Silver," stated Jake from just inside the doorway. "May I come in, Lysa?"

"Yes, Jake. I'm not angry with you."

"I need to talk to you for a couple of minutes." Jake met McQueen's glance. "Alone, please."

"How alone?" asked Griffon.

"If you promise not to listen in-"

"Too tempting." Griffon sat up with a yawn. "Colonel, how about a hand up and some company on a short walkabout?"

McQueen rose. "Sounds good, Colonel."

The door swinging shut behind them, McQueen didn't look at Griffon as he said, "I'll buy you a coffee at the Tun."

"I take it you want to talk to me. Very well." Griffon walked at a slower than normal pace for him. "What is it?"

"I told Silver the gist of what happened during your lesson,' including your description of me. She was unhappy at having missed the show." McQueen said nothing else until they were on the fortunately empty elevator. "Griffon, I want to do it again. For her, with her watching, I want it to be a gift to her. So that no matter how this relationship goes, she'll have that memory."

Griffon forced McQueen to look at him. "God, McQueen. Do you realize how special you are? No matter how the bastards try to badmouth tanks, you and the others give them the lie. To gift her with that, god, that's incredible."

The elevator door started to open and Griffon rapidly dropped his hand.

As they left the elevator, McQueen gave Griffon an anxious look. "So?"

"Yes. Yes, I'll do it."

Jake was gone by the time they returned to Silver's room. Most of the rest of the 58th squadron had arrived. West and Hawkes were missing. As Griffon headed over to his bed, the two arrived.

"Sorry. We were arguing over some details of the party." West shrugged. "We'll have it worked out by the time you get out, Silver."

McQueen remained near the doorway, watching the way his kids acted around Silver. By the way Russell and the other two relaxed, he knew that Silver really was healing. Vansen hung back slightly, but listened attentively as West and Phousse regaled Silver with some of their missions during her absence. To his credit, Hawkes jumped in whenever he thought they had left something out. Hawkes even grinned at the good-natured ribbing the others gave him over some of his social mistakes.

The door opened a while later and Ross stuck his head in. "Looks a bit crowded in here, Ty. Are you sure there's a patient in here?"

"I hope so. I would hate for these stories to be wasted on bare walls." McQueen gave his friend a quick smile. "Ready to lose some money tonight?"

"Feeling lucky, are you?"

"Some what."

"You're on."

"As soon as the squad leaves then."

Ten minutes later, Vansen glanced at her timepiece. "Hate to break this up, but Nurse Temple did threaten to suspend our visitation rights if we stayed longer than thirty mikes."

"Been that long already?" Hawkes stared at his own timepiece. "Damn. I wanted to tell her about-"

"You'll have time to, Hawkes. Just not tonight." Silver touched him gently on the arm. "Good night, Coop."

Hawkes looked indecisive for a second. Then he leaned over and kissed Silver on the cheek. "Good night... Mother."

"She prefers Mom," piped up Cassie. "I'll say good night too, Mom." Cassie hugged her mother, kissing her other cheek. "I'll stop by in the morning before the transport leaves."

"Night, Cassie. You're a good kid." Silver smiled and lightly stroked her daughter's hair.

Within a couple of minutes, only McQueen and Ross were left of the visitors.

Silver looked at Ross. "Did I hear the mention of losing money?"

With a rueful chuckle, Ross nodded. "Thought maybe a game of poker. Feel up to it?"

"Definitely."

McQueen looked over at where Griffon sat reading. "Griffon, would you care to join us?"

Genuine surprise crossed Griffon's face before he controlled his expression. "Sure, why not?"

An hour later when Ross tiredly admitted defeat, McQueen and Silver held most of the winnings. Ross owed them both around seven hundred and Griffon had lost over three thousand, owing Ross nearly a thousand.

"Cut throat, the pair of you." Griffon shook his head. "I should know better than to play against you, Silver. I rarely win against you."

Gathering the cards, McQueen said, "I would have thought you would hold your own."

"With any one but her. She rips right through my defenses, no matter the game." Griffon sighed, not meeting Silver's eyes. "I think I'll take a walk."

"And I better go to bed. That damn inventory won't go away without hard work." Ross stood up, buttoning his shirt back up.

Silver held Ross back with a light touch on his arm as Griffon left the room. "Would you be adverse to a more... challenging game of poker some time?"

"Challenging in what way?"

"Different types of stakes. Not money." Silver released Ross. "Only in fun, though, and nothing forced. All between friends."

Ross' eyes showed he had a pretty good idea of what Silver alluded to. "Only if we can guarantee no interruptions." He had not missed the way Silver's gaze had been drawn to his bared throat.

"We're in a war zone," pointed out McQueen. He had his own ideas.

"There's the Bacchus. It should be around in what, two, three months?" Silver kept her eyes on Ross, but raised her hand toward McQueen.

"Closer to three." Ross glanced at McQueen and saw willingness in his friend's eyes. "I'll arrange it when the time comes. I can always pull the 'Toga back off the front line for a couple of days."

A smile of pure delight and Silver laughed. "Your wife won't mind?"

Ross shook his head. "No. She knows I've had the occasional fling. After all, I'm a man stuck out in the middle of space. It's amazing we've managed to have four children. And yes, they are all mine. Blood tests prove it." He smiled.

"Never doubted it." Silver patted his hand. "And Glen, if you decide to back out, it's all right. I don't want to push you into anything you're not comfortable with."

"It's been a few years is all." Ross straightened. "I better say good night to you both."

"Night, Glen." McQueen gave his friend a nod.

"Night, Glen."

"Night, Ty, Lysa."

McQueen settled back into his chair. "That was unexpected of you. Why?"

"I think he could use the downtime as well. And I like him. And there is some attraction. Plus he wants you. It'll give him an incentive to really strive to win. Don't you think?"

"Oh, yes. You may regret this."

"I don't think so." Silver laughed softly.

"What would you like to do now?"

"Feel up to reading some more?"

"I think so."

Every day the squad came and visited Silver whenever they were free from their duties. McQueen knew that his extra task irked them, but he knew that they'd benefit from understanding the way the 'Toga operated. Their regular exercise schedule back in place, Nurse Temple allowed McQueen to visit after 2100 hours alone or with Ross. With reluctance McQueen satisfied himself with kisses and caresses instead of the intense lovemaking he knew she was capable of, even injured as she was.

After four days, Silver finally broke free of Sickbay. Griffon who had been released the previous day waited with McQueen.

"So, McQueen, when do you want to do this?"

Instantly, McQueen regretted the whole idea. His gut tightened and he wanted to back out. Then he remembered the way Silver had looked at the idea of him bound and naked. McQueen forced himself to make the commitment. "Tomorrow night. 1800 hours."

"We'll be there."

A few minutes later Silver walked down the corridor from her Sickbay room to the waiting area. "An escort of two? Somehow I think I can handle the walk."

"Thought you might like the company." Griffon grinned. "Besides, there's the possibility that you've forgotten where your quarters are."

"You wish."

Together the two men escorted Silver to her quarters.

The party held that night was a success for all of its simplicity. Someone had drawn a Christmas tree and tacked it on the wall. Underneath were the presents from the squadron. The presents were mostly little things, tokens of respect. Shane gave Silver things to refit her fighting kit since most had been lost on the planet: a new k-bar and sheath, a canteen and a new back pack. Both Phousse and West had scrounged through the ship to find books they thought she would like. From Hawkes was a simple black scarf that he had traded for. A music disc of Bach was McQueen's gift while Ross gave her a set of picture frames.

Afterward, Silver slept in her bed for the first time in months.

McQueen felt nervous as he let Silver and Griffon into his quarters. Locking the hatch, he saw his hand tremble slightly.

"Ty, you don't have to do this." Silver's voice held concern and compassion.

Before he turned around, McQueen said, "I want to do this." He faced her. "I don't want to wait until you're healed enough. I want to do this now."

Silver moved up beside him, her good arm wrapping around his waist. He gave with the tug, enjoying the feel of her body against him. Pressing his lips to hers, McQueen drowned in the sensations. The world both contracted and expanded. It contracted to just the pair of them, locked in a deep, desperate kiss and expanded to reveal the universe. One hand on her lower back, the other cupping her face, McQueen lost himself in the kiss.

As they parted for breath, Silver murmured, "Oh, Ty, you taste so damn good. I want to taste every part of you."

"Soon enough." Forcing himself to release her, McQueen took a shaky step back. "Let me give you this gift first. Please."

She nodded, her eyes a bright emerald.

A steadying breath and McQueen stripped quickly down to bare skin. He resolutely stretched out on the bed.

Silently, Griffon opened the satchel and took out the white silk scarves. One by one, he secured McQueen's limbs to the bed, caressing and kissing the slightly trembling skin.

"You're a beautiful sight, Ty." Silver sat beside him, stroking his bare chest, enjoying the feel of his body. "Now, there's been a slight change of plans. I'm going to orchestrate this time." When McQueen stared at her, head raised, she caressed his jaw. "Did you really think I would let him touch you freely again after what happened last time? No. I want to be in charge of everything that happens here. Will you let me?"

McQueen swallowed once. "Yes," he said softly.

"Do you give me the right of control?"

"Yes."

She gave him a delighted grin at his instant response. "Thank you, Ty. You won't regret it. Trust me."

"Always." McQueen laid his head back and closed his eyes.

A moment later, he felt her settle down lightly on his stomach. Frissons of fire slid along his nerves at the feel of her bare skin. A groan tore its way free when her mouth started kissing his throat. Torturous lips and tongue explored every inch of his jaw, throat and mouth. Every kiss he returned eagerly, desperate for the taste of her.

The delightful fire moved down to his chest and almost became unbearable for a few seconds as she paid attention to his nipples, licking, nipping and sucking on them. The shifting of her body escaped his notice as her mouth traveled down the bare unmarked skin of his abdomen, leaving a trail of fire behind.

Fanning the fire in his skin, Silver's mouth continued tasting him, moving to the hollow of his hips, the inside of his quivering thighs, the sides and backs of his flexed knees and from his ankles to his toes, sucking each one lightly. On the way back up, she continued the torturous use of her mouth, roaming everywhere but the one place McQueen desperately wanted to feel her mouth McQueen twisted futilely as she reached his jaw and he shifted his head to kiss her. Three desperate kisses he managed before Silver pulled away.

"God, Ty..." Breathless, Silver straightened, head flung back.

The sight of her bared throat made McQueen struggle against his bonds. He wanted to kiss her throat, every inch of her, imprint himself on her senses like she was doing to him. "Lysa!"

She looked down at him.

Her eyes, still bright, settled him back on the bed. The desire in her eyes promised still more. And if she played him like Griffon had, he wanted to experience it. "Do with me what you will," he whispered.

Silver sucked in her breath as if she hadn't expected to hear him speak so. The passion in her eyes flared. She kissed the hollow of his throat, then below his right ear. She said softly, "Thank you. You'll enjoy it. That's a promise."

Sitting back up, her fingers caressing his jaw and throat, Silver said, "Relax, Ty. For the oil to be properly applied is a two handed task so Griffon will be doing that part." Reluctantly, Silver slid off McQueen.

Griffon had stripped down to his shorts. The oil's scent reached McQueen as Griffon started working it in. Strawberry.

Letting the capable hands do their work and knowing it would be the last time he truly had a chance to relax, McQueen closed his eyes and let his body enjoy the massage. Deep breaths centered him and McQueen allowed his mind to float. Sometime later Griffon's hands finished.

"He's ready, Lysa."

"Then begin." Her voice was steady. "Follow my finger." She sat beside McQueen.

Griffon's weight settled between McQueen's legs and the soft touch of the feather began its slow travel over his body. Knowing that Silver was directing the feather's path made him even more sensitive. Spots he had not realized were erotic responded under her guidance. Near the bottom of his left ribs she discovered that he quivered and gasped. Nerves buried in the scar tissue there had regenerated. The junction of his right shoulder and neck could make him arch his back. Just behind his left ear the feather could illicit groans and shudders. Repeatedly returning to these areas had him achingly hard, twisting, fighting his bonds. He felt as though he would explode any minute. Only the fact that he knew it could get even more intense held him back. He wanted to know how high she could take him.

The feather, which had yet to travel below his ribs, withdrew its touch. A hand, her hand, started soothing, easing the desperation his body felt. He had survived another round. Eyes still closed, he surrendered to her touch. He marveled at the way her fingers drew off the tension, allowing him to relax for the next session.

"Ready?" she asked, her fingers caressing his throat.

"Yes."

He could hear her smile when she said, "Good."

The feather renewed its assault and he quickly succumbed to the light caresses. Down to his toes it traveled this time, his entire body helpless under the onslaught. By the time she gave him relief from the feather, he couldn't string together coherent syllables. Her hands resumed stroking his taut body, easing the tension once more.

When he he could speak again, he said, "I'm going to be wrung out by the time we finish this."

"That is part of the general idea." She enjoyed the sight of his oiled, sweating body. "You'll sleep tonight."

"Yes." He looked at her, wishing he could ask for a kiss.

As if reading the desire in his eyes, she kissed him, and then nibbled his lower lip. "Doing all right?"

"Yes. And I'm ready if you are." He knew what was probably coming.

"Ok."

She didn't disappoint him. Once he was dancing to the feather's touch, she had it stroke up his rampant cock. Two, three times he rose to find nothing waiting for him on the way down. Then the fourth time, a lubed finger was pressing lightly against his tight opening. he eased downward, taking the length at last. The feather brushed across a nipple and he gasped at the unexpected touch.

The finger inside him slowly slid in and out, working to ease the transition. He realized that the finger belonged to Silver, not Griffon, and he smiled. She truly intended to participate as fully as possible.

His thoughts were disrupted as the feather stroked his cock again.

She watched as he rapidly lost himself in the rhythm she created. Half-formed pleas and gasps were all he could manage as she increased the pace and introduced a second finger. By the time all three fingers were stretching him, he entranced her with the way his body bucked with abandon. She withdrew her fingers, cleaned them on a wet cloth and started stroking the heaving body before her, gradually quelling the tremors of intense need. His breathing steadied and she kissed him, reveling in the delicious taste of his mouth.

"Shall we continue?" she murmured against his mouth.

In answer, he kissed her again. She started to pull away, and he sucked her lower lip into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue. Fingers toyed with his nipple and he moaned, releasing her, feeling the heat of desire flaring up.

She slid her fingers easily back into him and grinned at the way he pressed down, trying to drive them deeper. In retaliation, she sucked the tip of his cock into her mouth. The way he thrust up into her mouth pleased her and Silver stroked his prostate as he started downward. Despite the obvious desire he had to merely fuck himself, she admired the fact he waited for her signal before thrusting upwards and knew that she needed to switch her fingers out so that she could allow him to go wild.

A whispered, "Here," and Silver felt the prepped dildo against her hand.

Sliding down the dildo wrung a low moan from McQueen, but he didn't even slow his descent.

In minutes, she had him frantically fucking himself between the dildo and her mouth. Watching him made her want him even more. The unrestrained way he rocked between the two intense pleasures, the sight of his head thrown back as he moaned and gave partial pleas, and the way his sweat soaked body thrashed completely out of his control decided her next course of action after she calmed him once more.

She heard how he struggled not to curse in frustration when she pulled her mouth completely free of him. The dildo she left buried in him as she started gently stroking his heaving chest.

"Oh, god," McQueen managed raggedly some minutes later. "I don't know how long I can keep this up. My heart's hammering in my chest."

"You'll survive." The sweat had overpowered the oil, Silver noted, teasing his right nipple, and listening to him moan.

"Do I want to? Scratch that. I want to. I just want to be able to appreciate it when it arrives." He took several deep breaths, striving to slow down his breathing.

Silver waited until he had his breathing down to a near normal level, still hard and a bit fast, but not ragged or sobbing. She grabbed Griffon's hand and positioned it holding the dildo. Her gaze on his face, Silver rose and straddled the bound man, not sitting back. Instant understanding crossed his face and she gave him a delighted grin.

There was no need to ask if he was ready. Curling her fingers around his hardness, Silver felt him thrust up ever so slightly, then back down. He waited for her to position him and signal that they were to start. Nodding her head, Silver watched as he thrust up into her depths. A cry of sheer pleasure escaped both of them. She made no attempt to control him, letting her head fall back, concentrating only on not sinking down, enjoying the sensation of his plowing deeply into her, knowing when he became completely consumed by the sensations. A hand braced between her shoulders, providing support. Silver forced herself to keep control enough that she didn't slide over the edge into orgasm. That she would do after he came. Seeing him under her, utterly lost to what they were doing, gave her a decidedly powerful, erotic feeling. A particularly strong shudder coursed through McQueen and Silver knew she had to stop him for the moment.

The choked off, frustrated scream he gave as she slid off of him sent a delicious shiver up her spine. Running her hands over his twisting body, Silver worked to ease McQueen's tension.

He gulped lungfuls of air, his body still struggling. "I'm not going to last much longer."

"You don't need to."

"Thank you." He raised his head, trying to reach her mouth.

She kissed him, allowing him to explore thoroughly. Breaking the kiss off, she smiled down at him and saw his answering smile in his brilliant sapphire eyes. "Ready?"

"Definitely."

"Try to keep control as long as you can, hm?"

"Do my best."

"And Ty? You really are beautiful." Silver ran her fingers across his throat and nipples.

Watching as he writhed under her touch, Silver smiled and then bent her head down to lick his bared throat. With touch and licks, she soon had him thrashing uncontrollably. Pausing in her attentions, she waited until he could focus on her. Grasping him firmly, she eased down until he just entered her. Tremors ran through him as he waited for the signal.

Silver nodded and moaned softly as he thrust up hard. Soon they were both lost in the wild mad rhythm. Dimly, she felt Griffon's hand on her back, but she concentrated on keeping herself from exploding, wanting to have McQueen come first.

His body arching upward, McQueen came, screaming with the power of it. His hips bucked madly as he sank back onto the bed, overpowered by the sensation.

Silver allowed herself to climax, sinking down onto the frantic hips, her muscles milking him dry. Pleasure rolled through her in waves and she didn't feel the arm that wrapped around her chest to keep her up off of McQueen. When she came back to herself, she found that she was snuggled into McQueen's side and that Griffon had already released him from his silken bonds.

Raising her head, she saw Griffon at the foot of the bed, still stripped to his shorts. "Clean us up, Griffon."

"Yes, Silver." He set a bottle of water down between them.

Her thighs were parted and Silver felt Griffon's mouth at her groin. Expertly, he used his mouth and tongue to clean her up before moving over to do the same to McQueen. Silver watched him sharply, but he made no improper moves.

Griffon rose and went to the bathroom. He returned with a warm, wet washcloth. With sure strokes, Griffon finished cleaning McQueen and then her. "May I leave now, Silver?"

"No. I'm not finished with you."

Griffon sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall. "Silver... Lysa, I didn't mean to."

"Would you prefer that I beat the hell out of you again?"

"No." Griffon sighed. "Will it be over when you're done here?"

"Yes."

"Very well. I will stay and endure my punishment."

Minutes later, McQueen stirred.

She used her right hand to slowly bring the water bottle up onto to McQueen's chest. "Here's water. Drink."

He took the bottle and turned his head slightly before starting to drink. He drained the bottle. Dropping the empty bottle on the floor, McQueen rolled toward Silver. "That was even more powerful than the first time. Dammit, Lysa, do you know what you do to me?"

"I have an idea." She ran her hand up his scarred chest to his throat. "Why don't you show me?"

Mindful of the fact that she still couldn't fully use her left arm, McQueen rolled Silver onto her back and started learning her body, knowing that he didn't need to be as gentle or careful as he had back on the planet. He knew she was in much better shape when she started responding to his caresses immediately. Her firm breasts that had never suckled a child, he suckled, licked and nipped, bringing them to hard points. The skin under his hands and fingers quivered and shivered as he explored, determined to bring her pleasure.

Moans of delight and lust came from her and he felt her good hand running through his short hair. Slowly he worked his way down to her groin and then back up again. He fully intended to make passionate love to her and bring her pleasure at least twice before he even entered her. To that end, McQueen buried his senses in her depths. His fingers and hands caressed, dancing over the satin skin. The rough patches of scar tissue he accepted as a part of her. Strawberry and sweat accented the slightly sweet taste of her skin. To his nose Silver smelled of more strawberries, sweat, and a bit of musk. The combination of senses made him hard, but he ignored his own responses, intent only on her.

Mouth sucking, licking and nibbling on one of her breasts, McQueen reveled in the feel of her hands stroking his face, neck and shoulders. One hand he danced lightly down to between her legs. Her moan of desire sent a shiver of lust straight through his body.

He dipped his fingers into her dampness and grinned when she thrust against them. Easing first one finger, then two, into her, McQueen starting thrusting his hand while his mouth paid homage to her breasts. Beneath his hand, she bucked madly, demanding more. McQueen obliged, shifting his thumb so that it rubbed against the hard little nub.

Minutes later, McQueen smiled broadly as his efforts paid off. He felt the muscles around his fingers contract spasmodically as her fingers dug into his shoulders, her moans of delight nonstop.

Before she had recovered, McQueen kissed his way down her still quivering form and took his first full taste of her. Her mad thrusts he met, using the opportunity to delve deeply with his tongue. It only took him several minutes to drive her over the edge once more. Kissing and laving her along the way, McQueen moved back up to her mouth, where he kissed her. She started devouring his mouth and tongue in return.

Slowly, feeling the need to savor the moment, McQueen entered her, her body fitting him like a tight glove. As her legs hugged his hips, McQueen buried his face in her neck, licking and kissing. Despite his attempts to keep it slow, he found himself quickening the tempo until they both rocked from the force of his thrusts. The burning fire in his body blazed hotter and hotter until he exploded, his mouth over Silver's. Their screams mingled.

On his elbows above Silver, McQueen came back to himself. A satisfied smile touched his lips when he saw Silver still had not recovered. He rolled off the bed. Griffon sitting on the floor, staring at Silver, grabbed his attention.

"Why are you still here?"

"She's not done with me."

"She is now. Go on. Get out." McQueen understood what Griffon meant. The need to punish Griffon still spurred Silver. "Go get some sleep."

"You look like you could use a shower." Griffon remained sitting on the floor.

"You won't leave until she says you can?" In his gut, McQueen knew the answer.

Griffon nodded.

"Suit yourself." McQueen headed for the bathroom.

Toweling his hair dry ten minutes later, McQueen stepped out. He quickly hid a frown at finding Griffon massaging Silver's bad shoulder. "Did I-"

"No." Silver cut off his question, eyes still closed. "I decided to get the benefit of his expert fingers."

"Lysa, I think-"

"I know what you think, Ty. I'll send him away when he finishes." Silver smiled. "I wasn't as out of it as you thought."

McQueen returned her smile. "I think I understand your need to punish him. But I'd feel better if he weren't here for the rest of tonight."

"He won't be."

As Silver started to say something else, the alarm klaxon sounded. "Damn!"

McQueen grabbed his clothes, donning them quickly. "What about you, Silver?"

"I'm not cleared for duty yet."

"Then I'll be on the bridge." Zipping up his flight suit, McQueen asked, "Staying here?"

"Do you mind? I can always return to my quarters."

"Not in the least." Sitting on the bed and tugging on a boot, McQueen gave into the urge to kiss her good-bye. "Behave yourself."

"I intend to sleep."

McQueen fought his way through the crowded corridors. Despite his brief delay in getting dressed, he reached the bridge before the fighter squadrons were ready to launch.

Three hours later, McQueen greeted the squadron as their cockpits appeared in the docking bay. He nodded to Vansen as she stepped from her cockpit first.

"Sir."

"Good job. Take the squad and try to get some more sleep."

"Yes, sir."

In his quarters, McQueen found Silver sleeping alone. He stripped off the flight suit and joined her, spooning around her body.

Next : Chapter Twelve
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