Page 38 of Captain's Companion

“We were rank by the time we were done,” Plav said.

Mina chuckled, “It served you both right.”

Gwyn watched Ulrik dare her to ask more. “What was the rest of your punishment,” she asked softly.

Ulrik smiled as he met her eyes. “We spent the next six months taking our meals together and spending all our downtime together.”

“We’ve been on the same ship since then,” Plav said.

“Still causing just as much mischief,” Mina said.

“I told you,” Plav leaned over to kiss her gently. “We’ve gone respectable.”

Ulrik laughed taking Gwyn’s hand in his, he played with her fingers.

“No one believes you,” Mina said. “You know I can tell when you’re prevaricating.”

Ulrik grinned, “She’s got you there.”

“So can Gwyn,” Mina said. “Can’t you?”

“Yes,” Gwyn said.

They finished their meal listening to stories of Plav and Ulrik rising through the ranks and working for the corporation.

“This was lovely,” Mina said. “Captain, I’d like to take Gwyn around the ship. There are things she should see.”

Ulrik stopped smiling. Glancing at Gwyn, he saw her desire to go with Mina, but she put her professional face on.

“Ulrik prefers me to,” Gwyn started to refuse.

“We’ll make arrangements,” Ulrik interrupted.

“He hates the idea,” Plav said grinning.

“I don’t have to,” Gwyn said.

“But you want to,” Ulrik said drawing her close until she put her hand on his chest. She felt his heart racing.

“I’d like to see the rest of the ship,” Gwyn said. “But I understand your rules.”

“Next month,” Ulrik said. He watched as joy lit her eyes. He couldn’t deny her.

“Are you letting Gwyn arrange the monthly birthday party,” Mina asked.

“What monthly birthday party,” Gwyn asked not taking her eyes off Ulrik.

“Every month we have a birthday party,” Plav said. “Mina and some others have organized it up till now.”

“How many people,” Gwyn asked.

“About a hundred,” Mina said. “There are a lot of details.”

“When does it have to happen,” Gwyn asked.

“The first of the month,” Ulrik said. He knew she wanted to do it. He could tell she considered all the options.

“Is it geared towards children or adults,” she asked.

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