Author's note: I am sorry readers for the long delay in getting this out. I moved into my new house recently and had to do so many things to get it how I wanted it. So, I have had little time to write in the last couple weeks. I hope that now that most of the work is done around the house that I will be able to put more time into writing.

Beneath the luminous artificial sky, Mir'tan and I stood side by side, our breaths mingling in anticipation as we awaited our transport to the enigmatic infiltration school. A maelstrom of apprehension engulfed me, fueled by Col. Taylor's silence regarding our examination outcomes. Eerie, unspoken fears haunted our thoughts – had they discovered our concealed AIs? Mir'tan's piercing gaze mirrored my internal disquiet, and an unspoken understanding passed between us. The path that would unfold at the school remained shrouded in secrecy, but one undeniable truth echoed in our hearts – the mere thought of separation was unbearable.

Although only a handful of days had slipped by, it seemed as if the bond we shared was etched into eternity, fortified by the extraordinary intimacy of exchanging our most private musings through our AI net. An unquenchable love blossomed within us, nourished by whispered words of adoration that echoed in the recesses of each other's minds, forging an untouchable connection that transcended any temporal or spatial boundaries.

My heart trembled with uncertainty as our transport materialized before us, signifying an impending departure. How I yearned to intertwine my fingers with Mir'tan's for solace, but the cruel necessity of concealing our love from the prying eyes of the alliance forbade any such comfort. The mere act of carelessness could invite unwanted scrutiny, particularly given my newfound species fluctuation elicited a barrage of curious glances.

We took hesitant steps onto the transport and claimed a pair of unoccupied bench seats. It wasn't long before we noted that we were its sole passengers – a curiosity which gnawed at my thoughts. Surely there must have been others suited for infiltration roles – even among those of different genders. I was so consumed by this puzzle that I scarcely noticed when we anchored with another vessel filled with passengers. Stern-faced security officers greeted us, wielding a package and vid chip, gesturing for us to accompany them to joining accommodations.

The passenger ship exuded an air of subtle sophistication, with understated elegance hinting at the luxury within rather than overtly flaunting it. I found myself mildly perplexed that we were traveling on a civilian ship rather than a military counterpart. Our suite was well-appointed, boasting its own private amenities, and to our astonishment, personal luggage awaited our inspection. The stoic security officers insisted that our possessions had been shipped ahead of our arrival.

Eager for some clarity amidst this bewildering turn of events, I harbored hopes that the mysterious vid chip could offer some enlightenment. Intrigued by Mir'tan's exploration of our luggage, I couldn't contain my curiosity. "Discover anything of interest?" I inquired.

Her countenance awash with fascination, she replied, "It appears we've got civilian armor devoid of any military insignia. It seems custom-made since I've never encountered such distinctive armor before."

United in our quest for answers, we gathered before the viewing screen and anxiously inserted the vid chip. The device performed a swift scan, verifying our identities before unveiling a familiar admiral from our testing days. He proceeded to inform us that our exceptional situation resulted in the complete erasure of our ranks and training records while Blackbeard and Cook's positions remained undisturbed.

We listened intently as our leader outlined the adventurous new mission before us: transforming into daring pirates within disputed Alliance territories, targeting menacing Orcan vessels, and plundering precious resources and intelligence to fuel our operations. As outlaws, Alliance ships would no longer acknowledge our presence, urging us to assemble our vessel and crew meticulously.

As the vid screen faded into darkness again, Mir'tan and I shared a puzzled yet excited look. Our odyssey had veered into an unforeseen and thrilling direction—one we could have never predicted.

The disclosure was genuinely stunning; they had knowledge of our advanced combat AIs and wished to harness their power for their own gains. My allegiance belonged to the Alliance, having joined their ranks to counteract the Orcan menace, emancipate subjugated worlds, and safeguard the Alliance's domain. I pondered whether this mission was a ploy to manipulate or eliminate us; however, my dedication to the cause remained unwavering. Intrigued by the gifted armor, I inquired from Kitty, "Can you offer any insight on this armor?"

Kitty responded cautiously, "To examine the armor would necessitate its activation, Bean. I advise against doing so here since it might provoke unexpected complications within a civilian ship. My analysis indicates that we are en route to Vasser Shipyards—likely to procure a vessel of our own. It would be prudent if you donned civilian clothing to maintain your disguise."

My eyes met Mir'tan's as she smiled radiantly while disrobing. "Did your AI also counsel you to make this change?" I queried playfully, my grin widening as I admired her unveiled beauty. She was undeniably enchanting—her face lighting up with delight upon catching my appreciative stare.

"Yes, my AI recommended blending in with civilians promptly," she confirmed. "Did yours share any information about the armor's capabilities?"

"I'm afraid not," I responded. "Kitty urged restraint and discouraged activation while onboard, citing safety precautions."

"Tri'na's expressed the same concern, to me," Mir'tan declared, her hands gracefully searching through the bag of civilian attire for something captivating. As I shed my uniform to join her in the quest, a sophisticated black skinsuit caught my eye. It was a perfect fit, accompanied by a belt that boasted slots for a holster and a personal shield generator – all thoughtfully included in the provisioned bag. However, there were no weapons or offensive equipment to be found in either our bags or the armor.

"I hope we have sufficient funds to acquire personal weapons; I'd hate to board a vessel unarmed and defenseless," I confided in Mir'tan as she slipped into an elegant dark blue skinsuit of her own. My outfit was completed by a rustic brown synth-leather cargo jacket, eliciting admiration from Mir'tan's eyes. "What do you think of this?" I queried, basking in the warmth of her gaze on my leather jacket.

"It looks positively alluring," she replied. "I've also been pondering the budget for our ship and crew. Presumably, it would include provisions such as food and ammunition. Ideally, we'll find a vessel equipped with a grav-drive - renowned as the swiftest ships in the Alliance." Her voice trailed off dreamily as she donned a stunning black synth-leather jacket that cascaded down to her mid-calf.

"With eager anticipation, let's unravel the mystery of this intriguing package we just received," I whispered seductively, as I nestled close beside Mir'tan on our plush bed. Delicately, my fingers traced the edges of the enigmatic parcel, revealing its treasured contents - a credit transfer chip that sparkled under the dimly-lit ambiance. "Ah, the alluring secret to funding our star bound ship journey unfolds," I mused with a gentle smile. Mesmerized by the glinting microchip in my hand, I posed a thought-provoking question for us to ponder - "How abundant do you suppose each of these shimmering chips will be for our grand adventure?"

"Darling Mir'tan, let us indulge in a delectable meal and uncover enchanting activities to revel in as we traverse this majestic ship together," I enticingly suggested. The allure of exploration beckoned me; I yearned to escape the confining room. Aboard this grand, civilian cruise ship embarked a divine woman who held my heart captive, compelling me to seize every delightful opportunity that presented itself during our unforgettable voyage.

"Bean, the thought of sharing a meal with you and experiencing the luxurious amenities of this vessel fills my heart with immense joy," she confessed with a radiant smile. It's mystifying to me how I managed to capture the heart of such an enchanting princess. Although I have come to embrace her love for me, I cannot help but worry about the inevitable whispers and judgments of the cosmos once they learn that their beloved princess has fallen for a cat woman. A quest lingers in my mind: to find a more dignified and captivating name for what I am. For even though 'cat woman' might be accurate, I yearn for a term that embodies the essence of this unique connection between us - one that transcends mere labels and carries far greater meaning.

Hand in hand, we gracefully exited the room, our hearts leading us down the ornate halls as we followed the signs toward the main deck. This bustling hub of excitement was home to a plethora of shops and restaurants, spanning three magnificent decks. Flashing lights illuminated our path, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the sea of people that filled the space.

The casino, with its grandiosity, dominated a significant area of the first deck. My eyes widened as countless individuals eagerly gambled their credits away. I struggled to grasp the allure of such risk-taking; personally, I preferred to invest my hard-earned currency in acquiring essentials.

Enveloped in each other's warmth, Mir'tan and I navigated through the throngs of people, our shared love guiding us in search of a delectable repast. As our fingers intertwined with tender force, I couldn't help but notice curious glances my way; my unique race drew inquisitive looks from those around me. An aura of unease buzzed in the air, as people seemed to shrink away from me as if fearing an unknown contagion.

While self-consciousness threatened to shroud my spirit, Mir'tan's gentle squeeze of my hand pierced through the shadows and reminded me that in his eyes, I was cherished – every inch of me imbued with wonder and love.

Our journey led us to the elegant doors of a refined steakhouse, tantalizing my senses with the sumptuous aroma of sizzling meats as we entered. Mir'tan caught sight of my wide-eyed and delighted expression, her melodious chuckle harmonizing with the alluring scent that filled the air. With a graceful wave of her hand and a knowing smile, she exercised her prestigious stature to secure us the finest table available, all while bypassing the sea of patrons eagerly awaiting their turn. I felt like royalty, reveling in this indulgent taste of luxury; a splendid and decadent reminder of our passionate union.

Yet, change was looming on the horizon. Once we left the confines of this magnificent vessel, our worlds would be transformed - trading in this enchanted fairy tale for the rugged life of pirates roaming the contested space, shackled by a fearless sense of duty. We would leave behind these ephemeral moments for a daring adventure filled with challenges – two hearts bound by fate amidst cascading tides and destiny's relentless call.

The succulent steak presented before me was nothing short of culinary perfection, possessing an exquisite blush of red at its core, which rendered the meat incredibly tender, juicy, and bursting with flavors beyond compare. Each bite dissolved effortlessly in my mouth. The robust red wine Mir'tan had selected perfectly complemented the decadent meal. Together, we relished every morsel, our senses heightened by the romantic ambiance surrounding us.

Upon leaving the warm embrace of the restaurant, we decided to explore the nearby shops and uncover their hidden treasures. Alas, the garments arranged within held no appeal for our forthcoming adventures in our new way of life. Nonetheless, this rare opportunity to venture outside and flex our limbs was both invigorating and restorative. I found myself secretly wishing for a ship equipped with a gym to maintain our physical vigor and prevent any early onset of fatigue once our voyage commenced.

As we journeyed towards Vasser shipyards, we enveloped ourselves in a passionate discussion about vital features we desired for our ship. A well-stocked galley, comfortable bunk rooms, an advanced med bay, and a secure armory topped our list of priorities. After all, loose weaponry amongst future crew members could only spell disaster as we embarked on our daring mission.

For three blissful days, we indulged in the opulence of the ship before destiny beckoned us to the shuttle bay. Our hearts fluttered with anticipation, as we secured our packed luggage into the shuttle, bidding farewell to our past lives. In that instant, I became First Mate Blackbeard, and Mir'tan transformed into the dashing Captain Cook.

Whisking us towards the shipyard station, the shuttle ride felt like time suspended in the air. We marveled at the colossal gantries flanking an array of spectacular vessels—from gargantuan ships to sleek cruisers. Arrayed before our eyes were battle-ready warships and resplendent luxury liners in varying stages of completion, each more breathtaking than the last. Boundlessly intrigued, we gazed out from our seats, awestruck and speculating which beauty would become our dwelling place.

Famed throughout the Alliance for their exquisite craftsmanship, Vasser shipbuilders held an esteemed reputation. Catering to their clientele's every desire—at a considerable cost—these vessels were far from cheap and rarely ostentatious. While Vasser could certainly construct extravagant luxury ships, their true mastery lay in forging mercenary ships. And that was precisely what we sought—a vessel boasting both ferocity and swiftness to call our own.

As we disembarked from the shuttle, our hearts fluttered with anticipation. Together, we navigated through the bustling space station, seeking shelter for the night while we pursued our ultimate goal: acquiring a magnificent vessel of our own. Much to our dismay, only one hotel was available within the station's premises – it wasn't perfect, but it would do just fine.

Having secured our belongings within the humble confines of our temporary abode, hand in hand, we ventured toward Vasser Industries' sales office. As we entered the immaculate space, we encountered an impeccably groomed gentleman who reeked of sophistication; his luxurious attire and flawless haircut left us in awe.

The suave salesman greeted us with a smile that seemed permanently etched onto his face. "Greetings, ladies! I am Xaviar, your personal sales representative for Vesser Industries. How may I be of service to you both today?" Enchanted by his charisma, we could hardly resist.

Mir'tan replied with a voice treading the delicate balance between enthusiasm and sensuality. "Hello, Xaviar. Allow me to introduce myself as Captain Cook..."

Yet before she could finish her thought, Xaviar interrupted with newfound excitement in his eyes. "Ah! You've finally arrived to claim your magnificent vessel! Rumors spread like wildfire through these halls, some even doubted that you would ever show up; after all, it has been four moon cycles since its completion. It is an honor to meet you at last, Captain Cook. Your requested design has culminated in a ship capable of surpassing any in the Alliance fleet! Follow me and marvel at what our collaborative endeavor produced."

Though Mir'tan and I exchanged puzzled glances at each other due to the unexpected turn of events, we wordlessly agreed to simply embrace it all – perhaps fate had intertwined destiny with romance. We entertained the possibility that this Alliance Fleet masterpiece was our serendipitous reward, predetermined to be discovered by its rightful crew: us.

Gracefully, Xaviar glided towards his desk, summoning a captivating holo-image of the spaceship before us. The vessel's sleek, deadly design left me utterly enchanted. My eyes traced the myriad of formidable weapon systems adorning its exterior. In an excited whisper, Kitty confided in me, "This magnificent creation surpasses any known ship in my database. It possesses the power to decimate an entire fleet." I was both astonished and smitten by Kitty's fervent admiration for this awe-inspiring machine. It was evident that its sole purpose, woven into every fiber of its existence, was utter annihilation.

Xaviar begins to passionately explain, "Behold! This magnificent ship represents the pinnacle of cruiser-sized vessels we've ever crafted. Its robust armor plating on the hull serves as a formidable shield against the majority of kinetic assaults - that is, if they could even penetrate the impenetrable defenses that surpass any Alliance Destroyer. Within its core lies a massive power plant; its fission capabilities harness enough energy to sustain a mighty battle cruiser. This extraordinary feat grants your dual particle cannons unrivaled firepower and swifter recharge times." Elegantly mounted along the entire length of the vessel's underbelly, these awe-inspiring particle cannons possess enough might to obliterate most adversaries in twain.

As Xaviar continues, his voice crescendos with excitement, "Fifteen elegant mag-rail cannons adorn the front and sides of this masterpiece, providing unyielding protection against nimble fighter craft. To deter any would-be pursuers from advancing in your wake, twin EM mine launchers stand ready. With capacity for a staggering one hundred mines, your enemies shall tremble at your command." He then guides you to an armory dazzling with six pristine armor maintenance stations awaiting their suits.

Xaviar extols the virtues of automated maintenance bots tirelessly laboring to keep your vessel in flawless condition. The medical facilities are equipped with an astonishing med-bot capable of treating even the gravest combat injuries. Although richly appointed, Xaviar clarifies that a skilled crew is required to serve in the vessel's sumptuous galley. With wide eyes and an air of anticipation, Xaviar asks as he completes his grand tour, "So, what do you think?"

Mir'tan's eyes gleamed with admiration as her smile echoed Xaviar's expression, both captivated by the exquisite vessel before them. She couldn't contain her excitement, "Xaviar, I must confess, the masterpiece Vasser Technologies has crafted leaves me in awe. My heart yearns for the maiden voyage; when shall she become ours? Furthermore, we require a full payload and ample provisions for our valiant crew." The authority in her voice resonated around them.

Xaviar's enthusiasm was palpable. "Captain, upon receipt of your final payment, the glorious vessel shall be entrusted to your command. In a mere two days, she'll be fully stocked for your noble crew of fourteen. Does this satiate your desires?"

"Indeed, it surpasses my expectations," Mir'tan replied as she graced me with a radiant smile that warmed my heart. A burgeoning sense of excitement enveloped me at the thought of possessing such a majestic vessel and exploring uncharted worlds in her embrace. While our purpose was to combat the Orcan foe, it was vital we also nourish our souls and savor life's moments.

As we tendered our credit chips, Xaviar's grin widened while he authenticated the transaction on his desk console. Seeing that we'd fulfilled the outstanding balance, he exuberantly congratulated us on acquiring our dream ship. It dawned upon us that ample credit reserves remained - sufficient to procure formidable weaponry and impenetrable shielding to reinforce our battle armor.