Page 63 of Captain's Companion

“Sinivites tend towards larger families,” Andera said. “Calli and Sheridan thought it a good idea if the space were convertible. For now, it’s setup as conference and office space but as time passes if there are other needs those could be accommodated.”

“The computer is state of the art,” Andera said. “Security is the same. Of course, all your badges allow you anywhere on the ship but if a settler were to wander into the engine room, an alarm will go off.”

She led them through corridors. It looked like a maze spiraling out from the hatch. “This lift will take you up to the bridge area and the level with your quarters.”

“The color coding is the same as everyone uses,” she pointed to the wall as they stepped onto the lift. “If you get lost, you can always ask the computer.”

“How many people will be on this ship,” Plav asked.

“Nearly a thousand,” Andera said. “It’s the biggest ship.”

“It’s set up in neighborhoods,” Gwyn said clinging to Ulrik’s arm.

“Yes, it allows the settlers to start working together. There will be all sorts of training sessions provided for the settlers. Of course, you’re welcome to sit in on any of them. In fact, with your crafting skills, you might consider teaching some live courses.”

“Do you think people would be interested,” Gwyn asked.

“Even though they’re settlers and will be very busy, they all will have down time,” Andera said.

“They need something to keep them busy during the trip,” Mina said. “I look forward to getting involved.”

“I’m sure you will do an amazing job,” Andera said. “We’ve heard wonderful things about the events you created on your last trip.”

She stepped off the lift and turned right. “Now this corridor can be locked down if there is a need. Your security is important. Fleet Commander, you’re on the left. Captain, you’re on the right.”

“Our luggage,” Gwyn asked.

“On its way,” Andera said. “It should be here in a few minutes. If you don’t have any questions, I’ll leave you here. If you do need me, ask the computer to message me. I’m linked into it.”

“Thank you,” Ulrik said his arm tight around Gwyn. He wanted to see her reaction to their space. He felt his possessiveness rising. Andera gave a wave and turned away from them. She spoke urgently into her com.

“We’ll see you in a few,” Gwyn said.

With his arm around her, he said, “I want to hide you away.”

“I might be amenable to a lot of alone time,” she said. “But you, Fleet Commander, will be busy with running... well a fleet of ships. Oh!”

The door opened revealing a room in soft blues and greens. The furniture was arranged in groups to encourage conversation. “This is our public room,” Ulrik said.

“Lounge,” Gwyn said. She walked around, touched the furniture, smiled at the wild patterns on the pillows. “Did you tell them I liked crazy pillows?”

“I sent them pictures of the ones on the other ship,” he said. Putting his hands behind his back, he hoped this would stop him from tackling her, stripping her naked.

“That one,” she said pointing to a deep long couch.

He closed his eyes. “Do you want me to move it,” he asked.

“No. It’s the one I want to make love on first in this room,” Gwyn said playing with the top button on her shirt.

His mouth dropped open as he stared at her and then the couch. “It does look comfortable,” he said. “It might be interesting to try this chair.” He pointed to a wider chair just inside the door.

“Maybe when Ultimate Ulrik is feeling up to it, we could do both... or all the furniture in here,” she said.

Ulrik rushed to her, pulled her close and kissed her thoroughly. “Do you like this room,” he asked.

“Nope. I love it. It’s got a bit of both of us,” she said. “It makes it ours... at least for the next five years.”

“Ours. I love the sound of that,” he murmured before his lips burrowed into hers.

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