Page 62 of Captain's Companion

Chapter 7

“This cousin of yours better have good ships,” Plav said.

“They get the best ratings,” Gwyn said nervously. Behind the two couples their luggage from the other ship followed them on hover trolleys. “All our required items will be there.”

“Including all the beads you wanted,” Ulrik asked.

“Yes,” Gwyn smiled.

“Stop bitching,” Mina said. “Ulrik is running the entire fleet. You’re captain of his flagship. We’ve got bigger spaces and more responsibilities but also more credits.”

“How does it feel to be employed by the captain,” Gwyn asked.

“Odd but good. I still have time for a few select clients,” she said. “I was able to weed out the ones who were too demanding.”

“It’s down here,” Gwyn said. They turned a corner and stopped suddenly. A ship loomed above them. At the top of the structure the bridge was at the front. All the functions to run the ship were contained in the block directly underneath the bridge. This included the housing for the crew and families. The next block was huge and held all the settlers. The engine jutted out from the crew section. If something were to happen, the settler’s block could be dropped, and it became an escape pod. A secondary bridge stood between the two sections.

“Wow,” Ulrik said. “That’s a hell of a ship.”

“It’s damn big,” Plav said swallowing.

“You’ll do fine,” Mina murmured.

“Damn right he will,” Ulrik said. “Watch out for those lieutenants though.”

“He’ll know what kinds of mischief to look for,” Gwyn said. “Is it okay?”

“No,” Plav and Ulrik said. “It’s amazing.”

“Let’s get boarded and see what our quarters are like,” Mina said. “I want to see what my office looks like.”

“Bedroom,” Plav said. “Need the bedroom first.”

“Definitely,” Gwyn said as she felt Ulrik tighten his hold on her.

“Let’s have a look,” Ulrik said. He led them down the corridor and into the docking bay.

“Fleet Commander,” a pretty red head said. “Welcome.”

“Thank you,” Ulrik said.

“Captain Do,” she said. “We have the quarters for both of you set up and organized. If you let me know if you need any changes, I’ll see to them.”

“Sounds good,” Plav said.

“You are,” Mina asked.

“Oh. I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m Andera Loka. I’m assisting Calli and Sheridan in organizing the expedition.”

“Andera, it’s nice to meet you,” Mina said shaking her hand. “I’m Mina Do, mate to Captain Do and this is Gwyn Meinen, mate to Fleet Commander Tonason.”

“Oh, it’s so nice to meet you,” Andera said. “I genuinely enjoyed organizing your workspace. I almost wish I were going with you. It’s like a mini bead store.”

“Do you craft,” Gwyn asked as the woman shook her hand and didn’t let go.

“I dabble,” she said. “If you’ll follow me, I can show you to your quarters. Callie thought it best to put you across the corridor from each other. You’re near the bridge so getting there in times of needs won’t take long. Both quarters are able to expand if needed.”

“What do you mean,” Gwyn asked.

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