Jack Of All Trades (Erotica)

Scowling at them Jack took his com out and showed them the transaction. Gee felt better when she saw it simply said ‘a bolt of fabric’. The amount was staggering and they shared another look while Jack just clenched his jaw.

“Jack, the Altarian Security Ministry will pay you a thousand times this much for the bolt. It’s basically priceless.”

He shook his head in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

They were alone and Bal nodded to her so Gee opened her fur coat and pulled some of her black combat gown out through the opening. She looked Jack straight in the eye. “Ten percent Reaver Silk.”

Jack looked at the incredibly strong, protective material she was tucking back beneath her fur coat. “Oh!”

They nodded, relieved he understood at last.

“I don’t get it.”

They groaned.

He scowled. “No, I get it’s a national security issue now but how can it be such a secret and so rare if this guy is selling an enormous bolt of the stuff?”

Gee looked at Bal who nodded and slipped away to speak to the shop owner. When they were alone Gee spoke softly to Jack. “I’ve never seen so much in one place and I have never seen it pure. Woven into a composite of other materials it is incredible protection against most hand held weapons from projectile to energy based while still being lightweight. Our supply is… very limited and we’ve never been able to synthesize it successfully.” She looked into his eyes. “You understand we wouldn’t normally share this information but you have a very close relationship with our Queen and we know you can be discreet.”

Bal returned. Gee nodded to her.

“There is no more. He indicated his nephew came upon a large old nest and they spent the better part of six years pulling the nest apart one strand at a time. His nephew has never found another nest and is an avid cave traveler.”

“A Spelunker,” Jack said.

They stared at him.

“It’s another name for someone who explores caves.”

They went back to ignoring him.

“We must take this back to the Security Ministry directly. It cannot be shipped.” Gee said.

“Can you two carry it?” Jack asked.

“What? Why?” Gee asked.

“Because I have a dinner party to attend tonight. I still have a diplomatic mission to accomplish and I’ve made no progress at all so far. Tonight I get to feel out the senior council members.” They stared at him in shock. “‘Feel out’ as in pick their brains! I didn’t mean it the other way!” he growled.

“I’m not pleased with the idea of leaving you here on your own but Chrystan is as safe a planet as Altaria for you. Could you at least help us carry it to the Gate Terminal?” Gee asked.

“How do we get there?”

“We use the cart. It’s self-driven. You tell it ‘Gate Terminal’ to go there and ‘Marketplace’ to get back. We will call for a lift when we get back which should be soon.

Jack stood and hoisted his soon to be confiscated fabric for his presents onto his shoulder and followed the two agents out of the shopping district, through the marketplace and out to the cart. He gratefully put it down on the back and strapped it down. Gee made to get in the driver’s seat.

“No, let me as I’ll need to make sure it listens to me so I can get back,” Jack explained. Gee nodded to him and moved to the passenger seat. Jack got in the driver’s position and pressed his finger to the spot he saw Tanz touch.

“Authorizing. Ambassador Jack Danner. Do you require assistance?” a voice said out of the speaker.

“No, I just need to drive to the Gate Terminal and back. Is that ok?” he responded.

“Authorized. State the Destination.”

Jack realized he was talking to a machine. “Gate Terminal.”

The cart powered up and got them on their way. Jack looked over at Gee. “It looks like this will be fine. I can try to send the cart back to the Gate Terminal for you if you like.”

“Yes, please. That will expedite our return,” she stated.

They rode on in silence and the cart dutifully parked in the lot. Jack carried the package up the ramp into the Gate Terminal. Then he waited for them to arrange for a Gate. When they were ready they stood before him.

“We are going to have to make a report to Hellna. This means we will not be back until late tonight or maybe early tomorrow morning,” Gee explained.

“Do not do anything you think we would disapprove of,” Bal said seriously.

Jack sighed and lifted the package one more time. The agents braced themselves and he gently placed it on their shoulders. They wobbled a little but managed to stay upright. Without a glance backwards they stiffly marched towards the Gate and stepped through.

And Jack was alone.

He had to admit that being without his Altarian companions for the first time since he was rescued from the Allsa Komanae made him… a little nervous. Then he thought back to the years he spent on Earth after his parents passed. The years he spent largely alone. Moving from one job opportunity to another. From one city to another. He didn’t have anyone he could rely on and he’d survived on a world far more hostile to Humans than Chrystan.

His unease faded and some of the old Jack resurfaced. He had a job to do.

He made his way back to the cart and went through the authorization routine once more but got the cart to take him back to the marketplace. He even managed to get it to go back to the Gate Terminal on its own. He felt pretty pleased with himself about that!

The marketplace was still hopping and he paused a moment to breathe in the interesting and subtle scents from the produce on sale. He really wasn’t sure which foods would agree with him so he didn’t purchase any but the shapes, colors, textures, and scents were a feast for the senses. He was gathering attention as well so he moved on.

Walking back into the shopping district he realized he still had quite a bit of time before the party. He went back to mooching around in a few stores that sold toys and found small gifts for Emily and Joseph. He was struggling to find something the twins would enjoy. Their ravenous minds were advancing at a breathtaking rate, leaving their siblings behind.

He was passing a store which sold puzzles and toys when he saw the perfect gift for them. Grinning, he immediately bought a few in case they broke, damaged, or lost the toy. He couldn’t wait to see them put their active little minds to work on these.

Moving on he looked for something for the ladies as his dress idea seemed like it was going to be a bust. Jack found a jewellery store which had lovely and unique bracelets and bangles. He picked out a few items and noticed the three clerks were all smiling at him strangely.

“This certainly seems like a happy shop,” he said to the clerk completing his transaction.

“Thank you,” she said unable to contain her glee.

“Really, everyone is so happy!” Jack said indicating her grinning coworkers. Jack thought back to his little walk through the marketplace and shopping district and considering the rumors of unrest he realized there hadn’t been any sign of seething hostility, discontent, despair, or even boredom. Especially not in this store.

They giggled.

“We’re just so thrilled to have you in our shop!” one gushed to him.

Jack blinked at her in surprise. “Really? Why?” Jack asked.

“You’re the sex specialist!” the quiet one blurted and the group burst into giggles once more.

Jack’s face must have shown his shock well as all three giggled harder.

“Who called me that?” Jack gasped.

“They call you that on the Entertainment channels,” the clerk who finished his transaction said as she handed him his purchases. He stuffed the small bag in with the toys.

“Sex Specialist? I don’t think I’m comfortable with that. It sounds too much like an official title, like something you’d give someone who went through years of advanced educations to become a doctor not a love doctor,” he groaned.

“LOVE DOCTOR!” the quiet one moaned excitedly and the three began trilling. Loudly.

Jack nodded to them and hastily retreated from the shop. Hiding in his room until the party seemed like a good idea suddenly.

Spotting a shop that sold something he wanted to bring to the party he ducked in and purchased a large bottle of Lussht. It was the only beverage he recognized.

As he made his way back to the palace he began to notice he was being noticed more than before. They smiled. They nodded. They giggled and trilled. He smiled and nodded back but it was a little unnerving.

Finally he slipped inside the palace doors and made his way to his room. He only spotted a few Shreen on the way and none did more than nod in his direction so he felt a little better by the time he was behind his door. He draped the fur coat over the couch and dropped onto the cushions to relax a moment. He peeked into his shopping bag and grinned at the items he had thinking of the smiles they would make.

Seeing the time he realized he had plenty of time to freshen up. He pushed himself to his feet and went into the bedroom to select an outfit for the party. He took out some fresh clothes, his dark blue silk shirt and black dress slacks as he wanted to look nice for the party. It was casual but soft.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

He went into the bathroom and had a nice long hot shower. He cleaned himself thoroughly and washed his long hair. He wished he’d remembered to bring a rubber band to tie it back or even a ribbon.