Chapter Text
Martha swirled the drink in her hand as she took a good look at the seedy bar. The lights were dim, half of them probably busted, the walls likely had never known a good scrub in their lives, and the bar top was sticky with just as many years of neglect. The patrons? Well, let's just say if her mother caught her in the company of such rough men the older woman would lose her mind. Martha loved it here.
She had been here long enough to relax into anonymity before a rather large gentleman took the seat to her left. The stool protested under his weight but held firm, maybe not everything in the bar was as run down as it looked. Martha looked up from the stool to take in the stranger. The man was ursid, an already large species made larger by what looked like a lifetime of poor life choices. He was at least twice her width with a good head of height on her with cybernetic enhancements, or replacements, that looked to take up most of his right side.
“What’s a Navy lass like ye don’ ‘ere?” The man gruffed.
“What makes you so sure I’m Navy?” Martha hid her shock like she had been trained to do.
She had gone through great lengths towards planning this outing. Plans that included the purchase of used clothes in proper disarray to blend into the crowd. She had even mussed up her short hair and skipped a bath.
“Ye can put lipstick on’a pig an’ it’s still a pig. Ye can dirty up an officer of the queen’s Navy but they’re still an officer.” The man gave her his own once over with his mismatched eyes. “What’s yer business ‘ere?”
“My business is my own.” Martha huffed. How dare this man approach her as if a paying patron wasn’t welcome.
“Sure is if yer ‘ere ta stir up trouble. We take care of our own ‘round these parts.” The man smoothly switched his right hand out for a knife to put weight to his threat.
Martha regarded the blade with some interest. It was sharp, not a spot of rust to be seen on it or the rest of what she could see of the man’s rig. She calmly set her half-full drink on the bar before she answered the previous question. “Just enjoying the ambiance.” Martha shrugged, it was the truth. She expected to be hassled more but the man burst out in laughter before he relaxed his shoulders.
“Here ta remind yerself how the rest of us live are ye?” The man gestured to the barkeep for a drink. He must have been a regular as no words were exchanged before he was handed a large tankard. He took a deep drink before he continued. “Weren’t aware of any Navy post near ‘ere, what brings yer type out ‘ere?”
“Family. My brother is getting married to some pretentious whore in two days and my mother insisted I show.” Martha sighed as she picked her drink back up.
“Feelin’ sorry fer him?”
“Hardly, he’s just as insufferable if not worse than that woman. A match made in hell if you ask me.”
“Ye ‘ere ta lure some poor bloke inta escorting ye?” The man joked.
“My mother would be delighted if I showed up with any man on my arm.” Martha finished her drink and debated on a second one.
“Yer like that, aye? Could probably find ye a lass ‘ere in this mess.” The man looked around dramatically, his right eye whirred as it zoomed in and out on the tangle of patrons.
“Oh goodness no!” Martha pulled the man’s attention back on her before she gestured to the barkeep for a second drink. “My mother hates that I’ve struck off on my own to be a successful independent woman. Degenerate or not she’d be delighted if I showed up with anyone at all. I’m simply here because it never fails she will hear about it one way or another.”
“A tale as old as time.” The man laughed. “If I ‘ad a credit fer every lad er lass that crossed my path lookin’ ta anger a parent why I’d‘ave.” The man paused to count on his fingers. When he ran out he flipped a few more tools from his cybernetic arm. Martha couldn’t help but laugh at the display.
“I know I’m not unique, sir, if I didn’t know that before, the Navy certainly made it clear during training.” Martha tipped her fresh drink at the man.
“Silver.” The man offered his right hand, all tools stored away. “Can’t ‘ave ye callin’ me sir.”
“Martha, friends call me Marth.”
“Nice ta meet ye, Marth.” Silver winked.
The conversation picked up from there, or as much as it could with both of them sticking to safe topics. Martha could talk about work just not in great detail. Yes she has killed a few people, no she couldn’t say where or who. Yes her co-workers ranged from insufferable to delightful like most workplaces. So on and so forth and in exchange Silver also danced around delicate details.
From what Martha could tell Silver worked at the bar as a cook, for now. He was always on the move and someone somewhere always needed a person who could cook. No doubt him being an ursid went a long way towards securing him steady employment. That and his friendly demeanor. Martha had expected to go home bored after a few hours, long enough to be spotted, not to be caught up in hilarious conversation five drinks later and minutes from closing time.
If the pep in her step on the way back to the hotel was from the alcohol or the company Martha would never tell. All she knew was this was the lightest she had felt in years. Silver had invited her back tomorrow night, if she promised to behave herself again, a promise she said she wasn’t sure she could keep. Part of her wanted to check out other bars but by the time she was showered and in bed she couldn’t think of a good reason not to accept the offer.
Martha showed up around the same time the next night. This time freshly showered and wearing her own clothing. Her outfit was nothing fancy but it had been tailored, her mixed parentage left her a little too large for human clothing and a little too small for canid sizes. That was the one plus for being born into money. If she was being honest, and Martha wasn’t about to do that here, she might admit to wanting to show off a little to impress Silver. Despite herself she had a weakness for terrible jokes and even worse stories and by the gods he had both in spades. She wasn’t left waiting for long.
“Well, why don’t ye look like a tall glass tonight.” Silver complimented as he took a seat next to Martha. “A man might not need a drink tonight.”
“Your flattery is appreciated but not required, Silver. I am already interested in talking with you tonight.”
“Just talkin’ aye? All that work fer nothin’.” He feigned disappointment. “I kid, just bein’ able ta chat ye up is more than an old spacer like me can ask fer. ‘Specially wit ye bein’ one degree of separation from royalty.” Silver growled the last bit lower as the mood shifted. “What’d I say ‘bout no trouble?”
“You do your research on me? I’m flattered.” Martha could care less if anyone here knew who she was. “And I don’t recall making any promises.”
“Hardly, just put two an’ two together. Unless yer brother is fool enough to ‘ave his weddin' on the same day as the Duke DeMir.” Silver rubbed the bridge of his nose with a deep sigh. “If any of these degenerates ‘ere figure out who ye are…”
“There’s only one person here with that information, Silver, and if you were going to kidnap me you wouldn’t have let me know you knew who I was at the beginning of the night.”
“Ye sound so sure of that.” Silver spoke around his hand.
“I’m sure you are not a stupid man. I have no doubt you have a plot brewing but I dare say I’m safe from being tied up and hauled off tonight.” Martha walked her fingers up Silver’s left arm. “Without my consent anyway.” She laughed as she watched the man sputter.
“Yer a tease.” He growled but couldn’t keep the smile from his face.
“I get entertainment where I can. My leave is short, just long enough to attend the wedding plus a day then it’s back to starched uniforms, yessirs, and pretending I still want to be there.”
“Pourin’ yer heart out ta a stranger?” Silver nudged Martha.
“The best person to tell your secrets to is someone you will never see again.” Martha winked. “You won’t see me tomorrow night but the night after I’ll swing by, maybe buy you a drink as thanks.”
“Make it two.”
“It’s a date.” Martha promised.
- - - -
The smile on Martha’s face wasn’t entirely false as she floated through the crowd after the wedding. She’d had a few drinks and could finally loosen up enough to admit, despite the two people involved, the wedding had been perfect. The venue was phenomenal, the flowers and lighting spectacular, the food and wine well paired. Martha realized she might as well enjoy tonight and live it up while she could because she wouldn’t be having her own wedding. Even if she did her mother would not be putting on the show she had for tonight.
“Darling!”
Think of the devil. Martha didn’t let her smile drop as she turned to her mother, Janice, she had been avoiding all day. She had nearly gotten away with it too.
“Yes Mother?”
“I have a man you need to meet.” Behind Janice was a rather tall man. At least tall for a human. He had slicked back brown hair with the lightest hint of gray near his ears. His eyes were brown and set into an angular face. As Martha continued to evaluate the man she noticed he was all hard lines and no curves. Maybe not entirely human or maybe it was the sharp cut of his tuxedo. Either way there was one reason and one reason only her mother introduced her to anyone and Martha didn’t like it.
“Honey this is Leonard Pal’atri the sole heir to Pal Limited, you know, the makers of those private ships.”
“Nice to meet you.” Martha offered her hand. “The boys back home have a handful of your older models. Quite the modding community.”
Leonard took her hand lightly. “Boys?”
“Do not mislead this poor man!” Janice swatted at Martha before she turned to Leonard. “She means her subordinates at work, you remember I mentioned she did Navy work?”
“Am I allowed to know what kind?” Leonard asked Martha with a wink.
“She’s a mana-” Janice tried to cut in.
“I’m a godforsaken captain, mother.” Martha cut her mother off. “I captain a ship you can’t know the name of through parts of space I also can’t tell you about and execute orders I could be hung for if I told you.”
To her anger and dismay Leonard started to laugh. “What a delightful character. You said she isn’t married yet?”
“I fear she’s insitint on placing her career before her family. Lucky for us that you are such a patient and generous man.” Janice beemed. Martha could feel the floor start to fall out from under her, this couldn’t be happening. “A copy of the agreement has been sent to your office.”
“Wonderful.” Leonard beamed.
“Mother, a moment please?” Martha let her smile drop as she dragged her mother to the edge of the party. She had to be careful about it, about how she looked as she handled her smaller human mother. “What are you doing?”
“I’m doing you a favor. That man over there wants to marry you and that is exactly what you are going to do. We’ve already made the arrangements, all you two will need to figure out is the date. He’s even agreed to let you keep your little hobby.”
“What if I don’t? You already cut me off, what threats do you have left?” Martha scoffed. “There is nothing wrong with me being single.”
“There is everything wrong with it!” Janice threw her hands up dramatically. “If you don’t accept this marriage I will make it my life’s mission to see you stripped of your rank and dishonorably discharged.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Martha couldn’t keep the snarl out of her voice. She winced as a few of the closer guests looked their way.
“Don’t make a scene at your brother’s wedding, dear.” Janice smirked as she took advantage of the situation.
“You’re the one making a scene. I refuse.” Martha composed herself. Her mother was just another combatant looking for a weakness and she’d be damned before she gave it to her.
“Is your pride worth more than your job, then? Call my bluff and see what happens or accept this very generous offer and keep it. Your choice.” Janice shrugged.
“I am calling your bluff. You have influence but I don’t see any other Navy personnel here do you?”
“Oh honey, it won’t be my influence that saves you from that dreadful job, Leonard is the one with friends and I wouldn’t underestimate his influence. After all, how many of your Navy ‘boys’ own his ships? How many admirals do you suppose could be swayed with a gift or two, hmm?”
It didn’t happen often but on the rare occasion Janice managed to look down on Martha despite being so much shorter. This was one of those occasions, a moment where Martha no longer felt confident in her position. She was well accomplished, well decorated, liked a bit more than the average captain, but depending on what her mother had offered Leonard in exchange for her hand she stood no chance.
“I’ll figure a way out of this.” Martha snarled under her breath before she snatched a bottle of wine off the nearest table. “You might have me now but you aren’t the only one with friends.”
Martha left the bright lights, the perfect party, the faux happy couple and stomped her way into the back garden. From there she ripped the cork out of the bottle, took a heavy swig, then climbed the fence. A plan was forming in her head as she sped walked through the crowded streets towards the docks. If she was about to be married off to a frump, used as a bartering tool, she might as well fuck someone she liked first.
- - - -
Silver had been laying low for a few years, nothing like a mutiny on a ship followed by the discovery of Treasure Planet to throw a spotlight on someone, so it was hardly a shock when he saw a Navy officer sitting at his bar. His being a loose term. A friend of a friend needed a cook and many people were more than happy to turn a blind eye to the shadows that followed an ursid chef. This particular officer had done her best to blend in but nothing could hide her rigid posture or the polite way she held her glass. Not a damn soul in this hole held a wine glass by the stem, except her.
He sighed as he stepped from the kitchen to address the problem. Even if the lady wasn’t here for him Navy folk didn’t just come by for the ambiance or the food and he wasn’t in the mood for a bar fight. It turned out Silver had been wrong, the woman was here for the atmosphere even if it was to rub her mother the wrong way. He was further impressed when she laughed at his small jokes. She was genuine, her emotions unguarded, and it struck a chord with Silver. It wasn’t often he ran into anyone who saw past the metal bits and just enjoyed his company.
“Boss, ya new friend is here again.” One of the busboys brought Martha to his attention the next day.
When he peaked out from the kitchen he was shocked to see she hadn’t bothered with her getup this time. It was an accident, learning who she was, Silver had caught the paper’s headline that morning concerning a royal wedding and a subheading had detailed the family. Martha DeMir a god forsaken captain in the Navy and one with enough awards that if she wore them all it’d be hard to tell who had more metal on their person, her or Silver. Yet there she was owning the small corner of the bar as if she weren’t a walking meal ticket. Silver scanned the crowd and told the busboy to keep an ear open before he approached her.
Hours later he waved her off, likely for the last time, he didn’t honestly believe she’d be back no matter how hard she had been flirting by the end of the night. Seven drinks in and she had closed the distance between them, her arm against his as she drank in his every word. Poor thing would wake up sober in the morning, realize what a mess she had been tonight, and refuse to come back.
“Sir, that lady is making a scene.” The busboy winced as the pair heard something slam.
“Silver! I know you’re here!” Martha’s voice could be heard from the back.
Son of a- Silver rushed out of the back certain he was about to walk into a crowd of Navy personnel here to take him in. Martha wasn’t stupid, no doubt she had figured his game out. He should have sent her on her way when he had the chance but instead he’d let himself get taken in by a pair of pretty blue eyes.
Instead of a line of guns pointed at his head Silver was met with just the one Navy officer who’s attire had seen better days. Martha was in a very formal dress, a light pink thing that hugged her body marred by a splash of wine on her chest and an inch of dirt stains around the hem. No doubt the fabric was worth more than half the bar and here she was displayed for the whole damn world to gawk at.
“There you are!” Martha huffed as she marched her way across the bar. She had a bottle of wine in her fist, no doubt the source of the stain on her chest, but her actions were those of a woman in full control of herself.
“The great hells is all’o this fuss fer?” Silver didn’t have to dig deep to sound frustrated. Any further comments were cut off as Martha dragged Silver down by his shirt to catch his mouth with hers. The action was done and over with before he could process it.
“Fuck me.” Martha growled before she pulled away.
“Is that an offer or…” Silver trailed off as he made a point to look around the bar. People were staring, of course they were, he wouldn’t mind his own damn business either if he wasn’t directly involved.
Marth followed his eyes before she picked up the implication. “It’s an offer and I don’t care who knows or who runs off and tells, that’s the whole point.” Martha leaned in closer but not close enough to kiss. “My mother has blackmailed me into a marriage. I hope my actions here tonight get back to her and my would be husband.”
“An’ if they don’t?”
“Then I hope you’re a good fuck, Silver. I don’t want tonight to be a complete waste of my time.”
Martha looked up at Silver and damn, if he thought she’d looked good before… Make-up on anthros, even partial breeds, was a trick but whoever had done her make-up had to be the most talented person this side of the etherium. Silver cursed to himself before he threw caution to the wind. “I’ve got a room upstairs dependin’ on what ye want.”
“I’m not looking for anything long term.” Martha squared herself away quickly at Silver’s interest. “I don’t need an escape or for you to save me somehow. I want a night with someone I’ve known longer than five minutes then I’ll be gone by morning.”
“Didn’t mean ta imply otherwise.” Silver conceded. “If I bed ye will I wake up ta a pistol in my face?”
“If you do it won’t be mine or anyone I know.” Martha shrugged.
“Follow me.” Silver growled low as he led Martha to the stairs. He had half a mind to make her go first but if her plan was to pull a gun on his back he’d rather it be in the stairwell with his pants on than in bed.
The room wasn’t much but Silver’s requirements for lodging had never included the threat of guests. A large bed in one corner, his chest of belongings in another, and a mess of clothes scattered around the floor. Martha swept in under his arm as he opened the door to take in the mess. She kept any comments to herself when she turned around. It wasn’t until she watched Silver lock the door that some of the tension left her body.
This was a stupid idea for both of them. Silver had been so concerned about himself being caught or shot he hadn’t bothered to think about the risks on Martha’s end. She was a well trained combatant for sure but against someone who outweighed and out gunned her nude? He should tell her to go back but at the scent of her arousal Silver’s mouth acted before his brain could.
“Expectations?”
“Protection is used, no leaving marks, I’m open to suggestions.” Martha’s face started to flush.
“I ain’t a young pup so don’t come ta me wit’ buyer’s remorse later. I’m a simple man, don’t need any kink or bondage shit ta get off. If ye’ve got anythin’ in mind yer the one who needs ta make the suggestions.”
“Then I would like to suggest you use that delightful mouth of yours to warm me up.” Martha shoved Silver to sit on the bed. He let her but couldn’t hide the look of amusement on his face at the strength behind the push. Martha wasn’t petite, maybe in present company, but the small action gave Silver a glimpse into her strength. Maybe the balance of power wasn’t as skewed as he thought.
His smirk gave way to something darker as Martha dropped her dress. Mixed breeds were always a mystery under their clothes. A mystery that grew deeper, more muddled depending on how mixed their backgrounds were. If Martha had a drop of anything not human or canid in her, Silver couldn’t tell.
Her entire body, like her face and arms, was covered in the same short, nearly velvet fur he had already touched. The light brown was uniform except for a few spots of darker brown scattered along her sides. An overall very pleasing profile
“Your turn. Unless you’re shy about your scars.” Martha taunted.
“Not at all.” Silver purred. He’d never been so glad to be wrong in his life.
-
When Silver woke up the next morning, true to her word, Martha was gone. He allowed himself a few moments to mourn the loss before he got up and prepared himself for the day. The staff would surely have questions, not that it was any of their business, but it wasn’t every day Silver took a pretty woman to his bed.