"Stage 5 preparing to drop reactor payload," announced the mission control operator.

  Aaron, Erik, Friedrich, Hajime, and now even Saladin, watched nervously as the heat shields of the fifth stage of the Energia Lunar rocket opened.

  Cameras mounted inside the cargo bay showed a massive metal case, bristling with retrorockets.

  A small burst of gas dislodged it from the cargo bay and sent it hurtling towards the lunar surface.

  "Retrorockets igniting," announced the operator, and the cargo bay cameras revealed the bright white plumes of the reactor payload module's rockets firing to slow its descent.

  "Reactor module touchdown success. All systems within working parameters," confirmed mission control.

  Friedrich let out an explosive breath.

  "Whew! That was rough! All right, let's do a reactor systems check," he said, and brought up the liquid metal reactor's systems on his computer screen.

  "Diagnostic complete, systems are operational," he announced with relief.

  "All right, drop the refinery module," said Erik, as the Energia Lunar rocket stages came around again.

  "Refinery module jettisoned, rockets igniting," came the announcement.

  This time, it was Hajime's turn to bite his fingernails as the refinery module hurtled towards the moon's surface.

  "We have touchdown," announced the mission control operator.

  "All right, deploy the drones, and we'll hook them up," said Aaron, as the sixth stage of the Energia Lunar rocket separated, and performed a controlled horizontal landing.

  "Why did you get a full rocket stage?" asked Hajime, as the sixth stage which was the lander module touched down.

  "That's why," said Aaron, as the lander module's bay doors opened and hundreds of mining drones rolled out on the ramps that had formed by the cargo bay doors.

  "Can't argue with that I suppose," grumbled Friedrich as the drones hooked up thick power cables from the reactor module to the refinery module.

  "Power systems have been connected. Friedrich, start the reactor," said Aaron, monitoring the information on his terminal.

  "Initiating reactor startup," said Friedrich, tapping the startup sequence code into his terminal.

  They waited with bated breath, as the reactor slowly came to temperature.

  "Reactor core approaching criticality, molten lead reflector jacket melting sequence starting up," reported Friedrich.

  "Auxiliary power systems are starting the LBE loop," reported Hajime.

  "Reactor at operational temperature, secondary water loop online. Turbines spinning up. Switching to main power," confirmed Friedrich.

  "Fuel processors starting up, generating hydrogen and oxygen fuel," confirmed Hajime.

  "All right, switching drones to mining mode," said Aaron.

  Erik watched in awe as the camera feeds showed the drones starting to dig out the rich ilmenite ore and cart it off to the refinery module.

  "Smelters powering up," said Hajime.

  As the Energia Lunar orbiter passed over the dark mining site, a brilliant blue flash emanated from the refinery module as the smelters processed the ilmenite into high-grade titanium.

  "So beautiful," whispered Erik.

  "Processing at 10 ingots per hour. We should have the first shipment to the orbiter ready and loaded in about 48 hours," reported Hajime.

  "Excellent work everyone. This is just the beginning," said Aaron, a triumphant smile on his face.

  ---

  "All right Ivan. It's just you, me and this punching bag here," said Father Abel, as he strapped on a pair of heavy boxing gloves on Ivan's hands.

  Ivan hefted the gloves experimentally, feeling their weight.

  Father Abel stepped back and gestured to the punching bag.

  Ivan stepped forward and threw a few tentative punches at the bag, getting a feel for the gloves.

  He quickly found a rhythm, the weight of the gloves adding a satisfying resistance to his strikes.

  "Don't just punch. Get those feelings out," encouraged Father Abel.

  "I don't know what the hell I saw in Annette all those years ago!" started Ivan, as he punched the bag harder.

  "Even back then she was opinionated and stubborn! At first, it was stimulating, but after a while, it just wore me down!" he continued, as he unleashed a flurry of punches.

  "Always making everything out to be a damn gender war! Then came Aaron, and it all went to shit!" he shouted, as he pounded the bag with renewed vigor.

  "And now, she goes all-in on that androgyny bullshit, and is letting that dangerous ideology poison my princess! Mikaela!" he howled, pounding the bag with tears in his eyes.

  He finally sank to the ground exhausted.

  "Listen to me, Ivan," said Father Abel, kneeling beside him. "You've held a candle for Annette long enough. It's time for you to move on. And as for Mikaela, you know that she has a good head on her shoulders. Annette's indoctrination attempts won't work on her,"

  "I suppose you're right," sighed Ivan.

  He pulled off the boxing gloves and tossed them aside.

  "Thanks, Father. I'll be going home now," he said.

  "Remember. Move on. I have it on good authority, that there's a literal harem of women vying for your affections out there," chuckled Father Abel.

  "You exaggerate," said Ivan with a faint smile.

  "Hey, I'm the one who has to sit in a confessional and hear the most salacious things that make me question my calling," shot back Father Abel.

  "Fine, fine. I'll start putting myself out there," said Ivan, heading for the showers.

  ---

  Ivan stepped out of his BMW M5 and made his way to the front door of his house.

  "Professor Zakhrov! Welcome back!" called out Kristen Ford, as she came from across the street to greet him.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  "Hello Kristen, I'm not exactly your professor anymore," said Ivan, eyeing Kristen's outfit of a sleek black skirt-suit and stiletto pumps.

  "But you'll always be Professor Zakhrov to me," said Kristen with a giggle, blushing at Ivan's gaze.

  "Well, would you like to come in? I haven't had dinner yet," invited Ivan.

  "I'd love to," said Kristen, as she followed Ivan into the house.

  Ivan started to walk into the kitchen, but Kristen held his hand to stop him.

  "Let me cook for you, Professor," she said softly.

  The feeling of Kristen's soft hand in his, made the beast that Ivan kept under tight control roar out in a deep hunger.

  Before he could stop himself, he had pulled Kristen into his arms.

  Kristin's breath hitched, and her heart pounded as she was pulled close to Ivan, their lips mere centimeters apart.

  She could feel him winning back his self-control, and she knew that if she didn't act fast, she might lose this chance.

  With a sudden burst of courage, Kristen closed the gap between them, pressing her lips to his in a passionate kiss.

  Ivan's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly responded, wrapping his arms around her.

  The kiss deepened, their bodies pressed close together as they explored each other's mouths with growing desire.

  After what felt like an eternity, they finally broke apart, both breathless and flushed.

  "That was..." Ivan began, but Kristen cut him off with a finger to his lips.

  "I've wanted to do that for a long time, Professor," she whispered.

  Ivan captured her lips again, this time with a fierce hunger.

  He lifted her off the ground and carried her upstairs the bedroom.

  He threw her onto the bed, and pounced on top of her.

  "I must warn you, Ms. Ford. It's been a very long time since I've felt the touch of a woman," he murmured against her lips."Th-this is my first time, Professor. Please be gentle," she stammered, her cheeks flushed.

  Ivan smiled at her innocence, and began to slowly undress her, savoring every inch of her body as he revealed it.

  Kristen shivered with anticipation as Ivan's hands roamed over her curves.

  He finally shed his own clothes, and positioned himself above her.

  "Are you ready, Ms. Ford?" he asked softly.

  "Y-yes, Professor," she whispered.

  With that, Ivan slowly thrust his throbbing manhood into her tight, warm embrace.

  "Aaahh!" Kristen gasped, as she felt him penetrate her.

  Ivan kept his movements slow and gentle, fighting down the urge to ravage her with an iron will.

  Kristen sensed his restraint, which sent a fresh shiver of desire through her.

  Her small hands gripped his broad shoulders as he began to move within her.

  Ivan dipped his head and took one of her hardened nipples into his mouth, sucking on it gently.

  That sent a shockwave of pleasure through Kristen's body, and she arched her back, pressing herself closer to him.

  "Professor... I'm going to..." she moaned, her body trembling with pleasure.

  Ivan increased his pace slightly, his own body nearing the edge.

  With a final thrust, they both climaxed, Kristen crying out as waves of pleasure washed over her, and Ivan groaned as he released himself inside her.

  They collapsed onto the bed, panting and sweating.

  Ivan rolled Kristen on top of him, holding her close.

  "That was incredible, Professor," she whispered, resting her head on his chest.

  "Likewise, Ms. Ford," he murmured, kissing the top of her head.

  Exhaustion claimed Ivan, and he soon drifted off to sleep with Kristen still in his arms.

  Kristen lay awake in his embrace, a warm feeling spreading through her.

  "I need to show him what he's been missing out on," she thought mischievously, a sly smile playing on her lips.

  She gently slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Ivan, and went into the en-suite bathroom to clean herself up.

  After freshening up, she returned to the bedroom, where Ivan was still sound asleep.

  She gently wiped his crotch clean with a warm, damp cloth, removing any remnants of their passionate encounter, before slipping back into bed beside him.

  She pulled the covers up around them, snuggling close to him, and promptly fell asleep.

  ---

  Ivan woke up to the sizzling sound and decadent smell of frying bacon.

  He padded into the kitchen to find Kristen Ford wearing a Star-Crossed Maid Café uniform, and turning off a batch of bacon in the cast iron skillet.

  "Mmm, smells lovely," he remarked.

  "Oh! Professor Zakhrov! You're awake!" exclaimed Kristen starting violently at Ivan's voice, and then blushing a deep crimson, as she felt his gaze roving over her body.

  "Indeed I am," said Ivan, closing the distance between them, and roughly pulling Kristen towards him.

  "Aaah!" she gasped, as Ivan spun her around, and sank his teeth into her neck.

  "Hmm, somebody's being a naughty maid," he murmured against her skin, as his hand roved under her skirt to find a distinct lack of panties.

  Kristen shivered as Ivan's teeth sank deeper into her flesh, and she felt his hand slide between her thighs to find her already wet and ready for him.

  "Please, Professor Zakhrov," she moaned, "I need you so badly."

  Ivan growled in response, and lifted Kristen onto the kitchen counter, spreading her legs wide apart.

  He spread her thighs, and dove into her pussy with his tongue, lapping at her clit and sucking on her folds.

  "Aah! Professor!" moaned Kristen, shuddering from the stimulation.

  "I warned you last night, Ms. Ford. It's been a long time," growled Ivan as he feasted on her warm fluids.

  Kristen's head was thrown backwards, and a raw scream of pleasure escaped from her lips, as her climax wracked her body.

  Ivan gave her trembling pussy a final lick before straightening and wiping his mouth.

  He gently picked her up from the kitchen counter and carried her to the dining room.

  "I can walk you know," pouted Kristen, as Ivan set her down on a dining room chair.

  "I know, but I wanted to carry you," chuckled Ivan as he fetched the pan of bacon and a couple of plates.

  Kristen jumped up and took the plates from him.

  "No, no, no, Professor. I'm the one who should be doing that. After all, I am the maid," she said, and quickly set the table.

  "All right," chuckled Ivan, and they sat to eat breakfast together.

  "Professor, say Aaah," said Kristen, holding out a piece of bacon.

  Ivan opened his mouth wide, and Kristen fed him the bacon.

  "Mmm, delicious," he remarked, as he chewed the bacon.

  They finished their breakfast, and Kristen cleared the dishes.

  "Throw those in the dishwasher. It's time for a bath," growled Ivan, grabbing Kristen by the waist and easily lifting her off the ground.

  "Eeek! Professor Zakhrov!" she exclaimed, as he carried her to the bedroom.

  Ivan set Kristen down on the bed, and began to undress her.

  "Please, Professor, be gentle," she pleaded, as Ivan removed her uniform.

  "We're bathing together, Ms. Ford. I wash your back, you wash mine," he said firmly.

  "Y-yes, Professor," she stammered.

  Mercifully, Ivan let her walk into the en-suite bathroom ahead of him.

  Ivan turned on the shower, and adjusted the temperature to a comfortable warmth.

  He stepped into the shower, and pulled Kristen close to him.

  She moaned softly as his hands roved over her wet body, teasing her nipples and caressing her curves.

  "Professor," she mewled, as Ivan squirted shower gel into his hands, and began to lather it into her hair and body.

  His powerful hands pulled her close, and he slid his throbbing erection into her wet and warm folds.

  "Aah! Professor Zakhrov!" Kristen gasped, as Ivan began to thrust into her.

  He held her tightly against him, and pounded into her with increasing speed and force.

  "Yes, Professor! Harder!" she moaned, as her body arched against his.

  Ivan growled in response, and increased his pace, driving Kristen to the brink of ecstasy.

  With a final, powerful thrust, Ivan sent them both over the edge, and they cried out in pleasure as they climaxed together.

  He slowly withdrew from her, and gently caressed her body, washing away the soap suds and the evidence of their lovemaking.

  "My turn, Professor," said Kristen, recovering from her orgasm.

  She took the shower gel from him, and began to lather his muscular body.

  It was now Ivan's turn to gasp and moan, as Kristen's small delicate hands ran over his body, feeling every muscle.

  "I never knew that you were so strong, Professor," she murmured, as she washed his back and shoulders.

  Ivan shivered at the sensation, and felt himself growing hard again.

  "I do try to keep in shape," he groaned, as Kristen's hand found his throbbing erection.

  "Shh, Professor. Just relax," she whispered, as she began to stroke him.

  Ivan closed his eyes, and let out a deep sigh of pleasure, as Kristen's hand slid up and down his shaft, while her soft breasts pressed into his back.

  A low groan escaped from his lips, as her fingers gently massaged the sensitive head.

  "Kristen!" he moaned, as he ejaculated, his hot seed spilling over her hand.

  They stepped out of the shower, and dried off together.

  "Um, Professor Zakhrov, I've got my overnight bag in the living room," said Kristen hesitantly.

  "I'll go get it," chuckled Ivan, and he headed out to the living room.

  He found Kristen's bag on the couch, and brought it up to her.

  "Thank you, Professor," she said, taking the bag from him.

  "You're welcome, Ms. Ford," he replied with a smile.

  They started to get dressed. Ivan in his usual black suit, and Kristen in a navy blue skirt-suit with a white blouse.

  "We need to talk about what's happened," said Ivan seriously, as they finished dressing.

  "Before you go on, Professor. Let me just tell you that I don't have regrets, or second thoughts about what we've done," she said firmly.

  "I feel the same way, but let me be honest with you. I'm more of a playing for keeps kind of guy. If we're going to continue seeing each other, I need to know that you're in this for the long haul," he said.

  "I understand, Professor. And I'm not going anywhere, at least not in the foreseeable future," she replied.

  "And, I've already been pretty badly burned by my marriage and now divorce from Annette. So, I'm not sure about my ability to fully..." he continued, but Kristen cut him off.

  "Professor Zakhrov, I understand your concerns. But I want you to know that what I feel for you is real. So please. Let's not turn this into a one-time thing," she said earnestly.

  "All right, Ms. Ford. I believe you," he replied with a smile.

  They shared a tender kiss, before Ivan picked up his briefcase, and they headed out the door together.

  "I'll see you later, Professor," said Kristen, walking over to her parked Tesla Model 3.

  "Indeed, Ms. Ford," replied Ivan, as he got into his black BMW M5, and drove off to MIT.

  Kristen watched him go, before she started her own car, and headed to Sirius Software.