Page 34 of Krin

“You think?” I mused.

He turned to face me. “Let me speak to Dril about you shadowing him. I’m not saying you could fly the ship or anything, but you could learn to chart courses, use the ship’s weapons...” His brow furrowed. “I don’t suppose you know much about Alaran space or plotting starship journeys?”

“Afraid not.”

He sighed, and we continued walking.

“But I could learn how to use the navigation system, or maybe assist in something involving the ship’s computers,” I offered.

Aza nodded. “Excellent.” He took my elbow and steered me down another corridor. “Let’s look into it right away.”

“Where are you taking me?” I asked.

“To the bridge.”

I pulled away. “What? No! I can’t just show up at the command center.” I glanced down at my clothing. “I’m dressed like a slob. Krin can’t...”

Aza laughed, and I caught sight of his tail swishing back and forth contentedly. “I am not sure what a slob is. But I am sure Captain Krin will let your state of dress go, just this once.” He was grinning at me like the cat who caught the mouse.

“But the bridge? Isn’t there somewhere less... I don’t know... intimidating? Besides, Dril doesn’t seem to care very much for me. He’s not going to want to help me.”

Aza chuckled. “He does like you, but he can be jealous sometimes. We’ve been mates a long time, and he fears a female will come between us some day and take me away.”

My brows lifted. “Oh.” Now I felt bad for taking up so much of Aza’s free time.

Aza waved his hand. “Don’t worry, he knows you are the Captain’s mate. I told him we are friends.” His smile lit up his face. “Soon to be crewmates, if I have anything to say about it.”

Awesome.I allowed excitement to bubble up in me. “Me too.” I tucked stray hairs behind my ears.

“Okay. To the bridge it is,” Aza announced.

THE DOORS TO THE BRIDGEopened, and I gasped. It was quieter than I expected, but then I remembered the warriors mostly communicated mentally with one another.

There was the occasional low voice speaking to someone, but not loud enough to hear what they were saying from where I stood.

A large view screen took up nearly an entire wall directly in front of us. A long smooth surface with some flashing lights sat in front of it. There were two chairs facing it. From the little I knew of the Chetok, I assumed it was the helm.

Another wall had the Alaran version of computers and more holo-screens. Those were for stand only sections based on seeing the warriors working at them.

There were two chairs about six feet from the helm, facing it. I wondered if they were for Krin, and Commander Ezan since the Commander was seated in one.

A door to another room was on the far left of the bridge area.

A couple of the warriors glanced in my direction and froze. Then, just as quickly turned back to what they were doing.

The ship’s Commander, Ezan turned his chair in our direction and angled his head. A small grin curled his lips.

“Hello, welcome to the bridge of the Chetok,” he said warmly as he stood and approached us.

I bowed my head in acknowledgement, surprised at his friendly greeting. “Th...thanks. I hope it’s okay that I’m here.”

His smile never left his face. He genuinely seemed okay with me showing up uninvited. “Sure. Are you here to see the Captain?”

I bit my lip. “Uhm... no, actually....” It wasn’t like me to get tongue tied. But this was not a regular situation. If I wanted to be part of the crew, I had to impress the Commander as much as the other males on the bridge.

Aza took over speaking. “Riley is here to see if she can find a posting that suits her skills.”

The Commander nodded respectfully at me. “Captain Krin mentioned you were interested in a posting with the crew. I am certain you will find something suitable to your skills.” He waved his arm toward the helm, inviting me to approach.

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