Page 16 of Drengr
He pointed at the main viewscreen. A shudder went down my back when I realised we were surrounded. Six ships, four around us, one above, one below. Orange lights illuminated the bridge, showing that we were on high alert.
Only a skeleton crew staffed the bridge, with most Vikingar still on Peritus. Njal had explained the situation to me, although not having Holly here was making it hard to focus.
"Are they blocking our porting beam?" I asked him.
"Yes. We're outnumbered, outgunned, and can't get reinforcements from the planet. Convincing them that we're not here to cause harm is our only chance. A hefty fine for breaking the protection rules is the best scenario at this point."
"Do they know we have Peritan females on board?"
Njal scoffed. "Of course. They don't seem to care that if they fire on us, the females might get hurt. Luckily, they recognised Steff's name. We told them to contact the Hot Tatties agency on Peritus to confirm our story. We're waiting for their response now."
The doors to the bridge slid open with a hiss, revealing my mate, followed by Steff. The two females were out of breath, and from Holly's serious expression, it was clear she knew what was going on.
Holly hurried to me. I opened my arms, letting her walk into my embrace, before clutching her against my chest. That was better. I buried my face in her soft, silver hair. The pain in my mating axe lessened a tiny bit, although I knew it was only temporary relief. It would keep hurting until I got to claim my mate.
"Everyone, take a seat," Njal commanded. "Opening shipwide broadcast. This is Njal, your Captain. We are expecting some turbulence. Please find one of the illuminated seats and strap in. This is nothing to worry about. I just don't want any of you to trip if the ship makes a sudden movement."
"Well done," Steff whispered to her mate. "I'll check on the women in a moment, once we've spoken to the IGA."
I sat on the closet chair and pulled Holly onto my lap. The straps closed around us automatically, pressing her tightly against my crotch. My cock sprang to attention, hard and ready, while my mating axe sent a new wave of pain. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea.
"They're hailing us," Rune said from the communications console. It wasn't his usual position when on bridge duty, but we were all trained to take whatever role we needed to in an emergency.
Njal waited until Steff was draped over his lap before accepting the call. A Berven female appeared on the screen, her purple horns particularly long; a sign of high intelligence, if I remembered correctly. Bervens were physically incapable of lying, which made them popular diplomats and law officials.
"Captain of the Valkyr," she began in a surprisingly deep voice, "after talking to Pamela Chester at the Hot Tatties agency on Peritus, we have decided to invite you to our ship for further discussion. You may bring personnel or witnesses that may enable you to state your case more thoroughly. Be aware, if we find you guilty, you will not return to your ship. A transport shuttle will arrive in ten IG clicks. If you do not board the shuttle, we will assume you guilty and will proceed with the full force of the Intergalactic Authority."
The transmission ended before Njal ever got the chance to respond.
"Well, she's a hoot," Steff muttered. "I bet she's great fun at parties."
Njal didn't smile at his mate's joke. He stared into blank space, deep in thought. The rest of us waited for his decision in silence. Having Holly's arse pressed against my cock and mating axe was becoming a form of torture. If we'd been alone, I would have already pushed down her long breeches, freed my cock and claimed her. She would be riding me instead of simply sitting on my lap.
Finally, Njal cleared his throat. "Errik, Holly, Rune and I will board the shuttle. Holly and Errik will be able to show them that they're mates, while Holly can reassure them that she came to the Valkyr voluntarily. Rune, if things don't go as planned, do whatever you have to in order to protect them. Every mated couple is precious, now more than ever."
"What about me?" Steff interrupted. "I can tell them a lot more than Holly."
"I won't risk you," Njal snapped surprisingly harshly. "Not now."
"Not now? If you think it's too dangerous, then Holly can't go either. As you said, every mated couple is precious."
"Don't repeat my words to me. I have my reasons. You cannot go. Klav, Sten, protect my mate no matter what. If I return and she has been harmed, I will hold you personally responsible."
The two males saluted our Captain, while his mate glared at him.
"I'm going," Steff declared loudly. "You can't stop me."
"I can." Njal stood up while clamping his hands around her arms, twisting them to her back. "And if necessary, I will tie you up and give your leash to my crew."
Steff stared at him with shock. "What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing is wrong with me!" he roared.
I exchanged a look with the other Vikingar. This was not how our Captain usually behaved. Was he unwell? Was this a delayed effect of thefýst?
He let go of his mate's arms before gently placing his hands on her stomach.
"Oooooooh," Holly whispered beneath her breath.
