Posted by Civilian Molly Holloway (CEO, Holloway Heavy Industries) in Starting Over
Two weeks prior, when Lucas had insisted that Molly accompanied him back to OED V, she had petulantly told him that she was not going. Now, she found herself late to dinner with her uncle as she hurriedly looked at her reflection in the full length mirror of her massive cabin on board one of the most elegant cruise ships on the Holloway Starlines fleet. It had been a week since they had left Earth behind, and they were scheduled to dock at OED V the next afternoon.

Molly frowned as her hair insisted on falling on her face once again, as she desperately tried to put it up in the way Erin had taught her a few months ago. Groaning in despair as her wrist chronometer beeped one more time to remind her that Lucas was waiting for her in the ship’s dining area, she gave up and walked out of the room. It was good enough.

It took her fifteen minutes to go from her cabin to the massive dining room. And even though Molly thought the ship’s decor was too extravagant, the high ceilings, and the beautiful art deco with black and gold accents never failed to fill her with awe.

Spotting Lucas, she walked hurriedly to the table, her light dress flowing behind her with her steps.

“I’m so sorry I’m late, Uncle Luc. I hope you haven’t been waiting for too long.” Molly said, pulling up the chair across from her uncle and sitting down.

Molly

Molly’s Uncle, Lucas Elliot Holloway, beamed at his niece as she hurried over to the table. “Good evening, Gracie.” He said warmly. “I was about to think you’d nipped off down to the pool or something.” The smirk was accompanied by the same sparkle his eyes only had for his beloved surrogate daughter. Though now in his early 50’s, the shipping magnate was still as playful as he was when Molly was a child.

“Actually, Captain Murphy comm’ed me about ten minutes ago to let me know your e-key had been used on the express lift…” He shrugged with a slightly wider smile. “… hence why your water and OJ are fresh.” He motioned to the glasses in front of Molly’s chair. “What was the old Earth saying…” After a pause, the elder Holloway snapped his fingers and laughed. “… oh yeah… It’s good to be king!”

“Anyway… Chef will be over in a few; she saw you come in.” He picked up his menu and used it to motion to hers. “There are four specials tonight: a curry dish, North Atlantic Salmon, King Ranch Sirloin, and a vegetarian lasagna.” Glaring over the top of the menu, Lucas creased his eyebrows. “No, I’m not getting the damn lasagna! Chef already tried. I’ll have the salmon. I’ve already been told I’ve had enough beef this trip…” He grumbled to himself. “… damn mother hens!’

Lucas