Page 36 of Captain's Companion

“Welcome aboard,” Plav said keeping his eyes on Ulrik.

“Stop it,” Mina said bumping hips with Plav. “I don’t want him, and he only has eyes for her.”

“Same goes,” Gwyn said tugging Ulrik nearer to her. “Let’s go through to the lounge.”

“Supper will be here shortly,” Ulrik said pressing his body close to hers.

“Gwyn, how do you like living on a ship,” Mina asked.

“I grew up on ships,” she said. “My mother was a companion.”

“Really,” Mina said. “I didn’t think companions could have children on assignment.”

“Since I was part of a contract which then went bad, she was given an exception,” Gwyn said.

“Part of a contract,” Mina said. “That’s … I’m appalled and fascinated. Did you know growing up you were part of a contract?”

“No,” Gwyn said as they stepped into the lounge.

“You moved things around,” Plav said.

“That hanging is beautiful,” Mina said stopping in front of the chairs. “It reminds me of a waterfall.”

“Gwyn made it,” Ulrik said grinning with pride. “She brought beads with her.”

“Those are tiny beads,” Mina said leaning forward. “It had to take a lot of beads.”

“I used up a number of my colors in that size,” Gwyn admitted. “When I was in here, I thought it needed something bright.”

“It’s beautiful,” Plav said while keeping his distance from her. “I’m surprised you talked the captain into moving things around.”

“She knew exactly what she wanted,” Ulrik said not taking his eyes off Gwyn.

“This looks nice in here,” Mina said moving to one of the sofas. She sat pushing a pillow behind her.

“The pillows brighten up the furniture,” Plav said sitting next to Mina. Ulrik guided Gwyn to the sofa across from them.

“They’re cheerful,” Mina said.

“What do you do on the ship,” Gwyn asked.

“Oh, I’m a virtual assistant,” Mina said. “I manage schedules and other tasks for professionals.”

“What does that entail,” Gwyn asked.

“I answer messages and calls for professionals,” Mina said. “I manage their calendars. I worked at a corporate office for a time, but I was getting burned out at the pace in the offices. I met Plav while he was on shore leave. From there, I made the career move.”

“She’s busy all the time,” Plav said. “She has sixteen clients who she assists.”

“That sounds…” Gwyn stopped talking when the notification sounded.

“That will be the food,” Ulrik said rising to answer his door.

“Go help him,” Mina said pushing Plav to join Ulrik.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said leaning in to plant a kiss on her cheek.

Mina waited until the two men were out of the room. “They’ll posture all night,” Mina said. “I know Ulrik has you isolated. I just wanted to say if you need someone to talk to, I’m available.”

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