Page 50 of Captain's Companion

“All the lieutenants on your command staff and their spouses are coming for dinner,” Gwyn said. “I told you about it before I set it up.”

“Huh,” Ulrik said not remembering it at all.

“You’re on the bridge all day so I can work in your ready room to set it up,” Gwyn said reminding him.

“Oh, is that tonight,” Ulrik said.

“Yes, and you will be nice and not intimidating. They are bringing their spouses or equivalent,” Gwyn said. “I’ve got the meal planned and need to make sure the ready room looks less ready room and more place to entertain.”

“How long,” he growled as he buried his face in her neck.

“Couple of hours,” she said. “Maybe three.”

“After I can worship you,” he asked.

“It depends,” she said.

“On what,” he asked.

“How well you behave during dinner,” she said. “That annoying alarm is going off soon. Do you want me to get your uniform out?”

“No,” he said. “I have a better idea.”

“You or Little Ulrik,” she asked laughing as he rolled her on her back.

“He’s still seeking the Passageway to Heaven,” he laughed as Little Ulrik plundered said passageway.

“Hmmmmm. He’s not seeking,” she hummed her pleasure. “He’s found.”

Chapter 6

“Look at them,” Plav said as he adjusted his pants to ease his aching cock.

“They’re magnificent,” Ulrik said. Gwyn held a baby for one of the settlers as the parents helped their older children decorate a cake. Mina squatted near another child wiping frosting off the little girl’s cheek.

“Captain,” Dr. Shifleman said. “This is a great thing.”

“What is,” Ulrik asked unable to take his eyes off Gwyn.

“Sir,” Dr. Shifleman waited for Ulrik to look at him. “Look at your crew and the settlers.”

Ulrik took a deep breath and surveyed the large conference room. Tables scattered around the room held crafts, food, and all sorts of activities. Families both in his crew and in the settlers clustered around them. A hum of laughter and conversation rumbled through the room. Happiness and fun bounced off the walls.

“Your mates have pulled off quite the event,” Dr. Shifleman said.

“Gwyn’s amazing,” Ulrik said. “Other ships do stuff like this?”

“Not as successfully,” Dr. Shifleman said. “They’ve outdone themselves.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Gwyn said. “Can you two please help serve cake?”

“Yes,” Ulrik answered.

“Good because you two standing here staring at Mina and me is getting a little creepy,” Gwyn teased. “You don’t want to scare the children.”

“Who’s this,” Dr. Shifleman asked.

“Emily,” Gwyn said shifting the sleeping baby to her shoulder.

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