Page 3 of Saving the Sautiitions

Chapter 2

Kari

The ship is quiet as we cruise along. Jeff helps Tonya and Melodia check all systems and make sure everything is running properly while I stand at the large window and stare into the void of space. It’s difficult to come up with a solid plan for saving the Sautiitions when I have no idea what to expect.

Kurgash shouldn’t be in the system, let alone on the planet, but anything is possible. If he comes along, we need to be prepared. There’s also the concern of the planet. It’s crumbling apart, dying from all the mining and mistreatment. If we land and there’s an earthquake or something worse, the ship and everyone on the planet could be lost. We can’t risk that.

I sigh as I struggle to come up with a plan that doesn’t get us all killed, but doesn’t take too long, either. The Sautiitions on the surface won’t have long to get off. I can’t go around swinging from a rope like Jane and just snatch them up one by one. It’ll take forever.

Strong arms circle my waist, and I slide my hands across his forearms, resting against his chest as my eyes fall shut. He kisses my head and squeezes me tighter. “What are you doing over here by yourself?”

“Trying to come up with a plan that doesn’t kill us all,” I mumble, feeling suddenly exhausted and overwhelmed.

“It might be easier to come up with a plan if you discussed it with your entire crew. More minds can come up with more ideas.” His lips rub against my hair, his words vibrating against my scalp, and I sink deeper into his embrace, loving the comfort he provides.

“You’re right. When everything is running smoothly, we’ll convene and discuss.”

“No time like the present, Cap.” Jeff’s voice calls from across the bridge, and I stand tall, stepping out of Vahru’s embrace. I grin at my lieutenant, always ready for me, even when I’m not.

“We need a plan to get everyone off the planet safely. One that doesn’t risk the ship being damaged, all of us dying, or taking too long. Everything I’ve thought of won’t work. With the planet falling apart because of Kurgash’s mining ops, we can’t land. We need another option.”

Vahru types onto a computer along the wall, a hologram of Sautiious 5 popping up in front of him. “You do know the ship has skimmers, right? You could just use those, scour the planet for survivors and bring them back here. The ship doesn’t have to land, the skimmers can hover above ground. Everyone’s safe.”

He turns and shrugs at me. I let out a huff and give him a dirty look. “Why wouldn’t you just tell me that from the beginning!?”

He laughs and slides his hand along my cheek, his fingers pulling on my hair. “Because I sometimes find your exasperation funny. You’re worrying a bit too much. This will be a quick in and out operation. We have two skimmers, one for us, one for Jeff and Willa to take. We can each take a half of the planet, rush around, snatch up anyone waiting, and come back. It’ll be fine.” He smiles reassuringly at me, a hint of his cocky nature showing through.

“Yeah. And what if Kurgash comes along?” I raise an eyebrow, unable to resist the urge to poke holes in his over-inflated ego.

“We have weapons. Other ways of stopping him. We’re a team, and we’ll have your back. We have time to figure this all out. Please relax.”

I sigh as I try to believe him. I want to believe him, but I can’t help this feeling that things will not go as we’d like. There is a sinking feeling like something will go wrong deep in my stomach, and I want to prepare for every issue. I pinch my lips together as I stare at him, wanting to argue but failing to come up with anything worth arguing with.

“Do not worry, Kari. We have many hours before we reach our homeworld. There is plenty of time to learn everything about the ship and come up with alternative plans. We’ll be okay. Why don’t you guys get some rest? We’ll worry about getting us there.” Tonya’s sweet voice sings out, the translator speaking just moments later.

“That sounds like a great idea.” Vahru tosses me over his shoulder and marches off. “If anyone needs us, we’ll be in the captain’s quarters!”

The others laugh as I pound on his back, slapping his ass as hard as I can as his tail slashes in my face. “What the hell are you doing!? Put me down, dammit!”

He enters a room, kicking the door shut behind him before he throws me down on the bed across the room. “You’re stressing out over things you can’t control, using too much energy being scared and nervous. You need to relax, clear your mind so that you can direct your crew properly. I know just how to help you.”

He gives me a feral grin as he hovers over me, forcing me to crawl up the bed until I’m pressed against the headboard. I lick my lips as he crawls up to me, his hair falling around us both as we stare at each other. “I’ve been dying to rip these clothes from your body since you walked out of my room wearing them.”

His voice is practically a growl, and I can’t help the shiver that runs through me. He smiles as he notices it, leaning down to lick up my collarbone to my ear. When his lips capture mine, I moan, my hands slipping into his hair and pulling on it, bringing him down on top of me. It’s been mere hours since we were last together like this, but something about him makes me insatiable.

His hand slides up my leg, lifting the skirt he picked out for me, and he groans as his fingers find my core naked and ready for him. “Mmm, I forgot about your lack of underwear in this, but I must admit, I’m entirely grateful for it.”

He growls again, nipping at my neck as his fingers shove into me. I arch my back, screaming as I nearly come from the small contact. He groans in my ear, mumbling something about how he loves my body and loving how I react to him. I can’t hold still, squirming beneath him as his fingers slide into me, creating a building pressure within. I scratch my fingers down his arm, one hand tangled in his hair.

I’m surprised and let out a very undignified whine as he leaves my body, standing at the foot of the bed. He stares down at me as he licks his fingers clean before placing his fists on his hips. “Strip. Now.”

Oh, fuck, I’m done for. I scramble to jump off the bed, nearly tripping and falling on my face. I don’t miss the smirk on his plump lips as he tries not to laugh at me.

“Slow down. I don’t need you hurting yourself.”

I take a breath, slowing my racing heart as I stand up straight and look him in the eye. My confidence boosts as his eyes flare while tracking the movement of my hand as it slides down my body. I start with the top, slipping the tank over my head and dropping it to the floor.

My eyes trail down his body, catching on his twitching cock in his pants as he watches me closely. I turn around, untying the makeshift bra and dropping it on top of my shirt before I slowly slip my thumbs under the skirt's waistband. I bend at the waist, dropping the skirt as slowly as I can while shimmying my ass in his face.

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