“You are the biggest fool I’ve ever met,” she sighed shaking her head.
“This was the single stupidest thing you could have done, it was the single stupidest thing anyone could have done. I think you are actually the stupidest person in the entire universe.” She continued before taking a breath and running at the other girl, wrapping her arms around her. “But I’m so glad you’re here”.
“Well, I couldn’t let the day pass without something, could I?” Smiled the other girl. “It is your birthday, and I want to spend it with you, and no force in the universe was going to stop me.”
“Captain Amalie,” smiled the girl, looking up at her paramour with tears pricking at the edges of her eyes. “You are the most wonderful creature under the stars”.
“That title belongs to you alone Da’Ria,” smiled Amalie as she squeezed the girl before backing off a moment. “But, what is a birthday without gifts,” she said as she reached into her docked ship and pulled out a crate.
“For me?” gasped Da’Ria, moving closer, her tears shimmering under the artificial light of the research station. “You really shouldn’t have, it is more than enough having you here.”
“I insist, open it,” smiled Amaile as Da’Ria moved her hand over the crate, slowly lifting its lid. Her eyes went wider as she reached in and pulled out a long bottle. “Galrazian wine, how did you get this, no one has been able to export this since they blockaded,” started Da’Ria before she looked up at Amaile. “You didn’t”.
“It was really nothing, their defense grid is nowhere near as fast as I am,” she smiled, a hint of smugness in her voice. “Usually anyway,” she added before pointing to a scorch mark on the bottom of her ship.
“Oh gosh, so much food in here,” gasped Da’Ria, pulling out box after box. “While I am happy to see you, I will admit the sight of fresh food after months on dried rations fills me with a very different kind of desire, how far did you fly to get all of this?”
“Oh you know, here and there,” grinned Amaile, waving her hand dismissively. “You did always like picnics”.
“I love picnics,” smiled Da’Ria, opening a box of fruit and sniffing it. “I will take you to my dig site. There is a ridge that overlooks the entire ruined city.” She exclaimed, hugging Amaile close once more.
“It sounds beautiful,” nodded Amaile, her hand running through Da’Ria’s hair.
“It is,” continued Da’Ria, her voice filling with excitement. “And at dawn you can see the twin suns rise, casting their light over the ruins, it is truly stunning.”
“I doubt it holds a candle to you,” smiled Amaile, leaning down and kissing Da’Ria on the forehead, making the girl blush a deep crimson.
“The only issue is, it can get quite cold, so we would need to huddle close if we wanted to see the suns,” giggled Da’Ria coyly.
“Oh?” Chuckled Amaile. “How close?”
“As close as two atoms bonding,” winked Da’Ria before burying her head back into Amalie’s chest. “Oh look at me, I’m like a schoolgirl.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” smiled Amaile.
Da’Ria pulled herself from Amaile’s arms and took a deep breath. “Right, I’ll need to get you an archeologist pass and uniform if we want to sneak you into the ruins. I think I know someone who might lend me theirs, it should fit you,” mumbled Da’Ria, running her eyes up and down Amaile’s body.
“I don’t think that will be needed,” grinned Amaile, causing Da’Ria to blink and shake her head.
“No, no, they won’t let anyone without a pass go to the ruins. Only archaeologists are allowed near them, security is tight!” Insisted Da’Ria.
“There is something else in the box, right at the bottom,” replied Amaile, tilting her head towards the open crate.
“What do you have planned?” Asked Da’Ria with confusion, walking over to the box and reaching in, running her hands along the bottom until she found a large brown envelope. “What is this?”
“Open it,” smiled Amaile. Da’Ria didn’t hesitate, slowly pulling the flap of the envelope open, watching as a small bundle of papers slid out. Da’Ria’s eyes scanned the paper as she started to read it.
“This is to certify that Keltraze Amaile has completed the requisite education and fieldwork to obtain the title of Galatic Historical Association Certified Archeologist,” she read, her eyes going wide as she did. “Really?” She gasped, looking up at Amaile.
“Check the next page,” nodded Amaile, a few tears coming to her eyes.
“Dear Ms. Amaile,” started Da’Ria. “I have approved your transfer to the Historical Association’s archeology department. Upon reading your letter I could not help but agree with you. Working under Da’Ria Mazina is both the logical extension of your thesis work and the best way to further hone your field skills. You will find your transfer notice and the required paperwork attached, please report to Ms. Mazina as soon as is possible.”
Amaile stood at attention and saluted. “Captain Mazina,” she beamed. “Assistant Amaile ready for duty!” Da’Ria stood looking for a moment, tears rolling down her cheek.
“You beautiful fool,” she sniffed. “You wonderful, beautiful, amazing fool”. She said taking a deep breath. She reached into the envelope and pulled out a badge, walking over and clipping it to Amaile’s chest.
“Your first task,” smiled Da’Ria. “Is to collect the picnic into a pack while I go get a blanket. I shall then take you to the site so you can have an overview and we can see the suns rise.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Smiled Amaile. However, before she could move Da’Ria pulled her close and kissed her deeply, making Amaile’s cheeks turn bright red.
Jonathon Greenall is a freelance writer, artist, and tabletop roleplaying game designer who has written for CBR, Polygon, Nintendo Life, Gayley Dreadful, Enbylife, and many other publications. They have also published several popular and highly-praised tabletop roleplaying games including “You Have One Ability….The Ability To Fuck This Up,” “Macarons, Milkshakes, And Magic,” and “Wander Wizards.”
Jonathon has always been fascinated by media, from the big hitters to the small, obscure, and often overlooked titles that linger on the sidelines, capturing both the on and off-camera stories that make these shows so fascinating.
Jonathon is also a major anime fan, having been exposed to the medium through shows like Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena. Since then, Jonathon has maintained a passion for anime, watching most new shows each season and hunting down overlooked gems from previous ones.