Page 64 of Captain's Treasure
“Of course. But it was a great idea to isolate and test. I didn’t mind at all. And the numbers look amazing, really. I didn’t realize upgrading our systems would actually lower our fuel use. I mean, it makes sense.” Blaize’s attention pivoted between Dez and Cyra as she spoke.
“We’ll make so much moving goods to and from Kolben. Especially if we can figure out the best bridges to use,” Bodi added, fork in the air. “Damn, this is delicious, Dez.”
Dez nodded acknowledgment unsure what would be safe to say to the woman who’d basically accosted him in his quarters.
“Don’t get used to it. None of the rest of us can cook.” Cyra stabbed into her noodles, before twirling her fork.
She might as well have stabbed Dez in the heart. Did she have to take every single opportunity to remind him of their challenges? She lifted her fist to her chest and rubbed a slow circle, as if she could feel his heart hurting. Maybe hers hurt too. That made the situation worse. He could leave, knowing he’d still be connected to her, but not if it hurt her. True mates would always find their way back to each other, even in different lifetimes. At least that’s what he’d always been taught to believe. But if he left her in pain, lacking for anything once he was no longer onThe Treasure, that thought would kill him faster than the severed mate bond.
There had to be something more he could do before they reached Kolben. “I’d like to start working with Princess in a few more galactic weeks. Thuringies mature incredibly quickly and she should be ready for basic commands.”
Veda nodded in agreement. “It would be good to keep her occupied. Also, we’ll need to provide her plenty of chew toys as her chompers come in.”
“I probably have some tubing and things that might work. If not I can print some,” Blaize offered.
“You shouldn’t have to do that Dez. It’s not your job.”
“But it would be my pleasure, my?—”
“Fine.” Cyra cut him off pointedly.
He grinned at her even though no part of him was happy. He wouldn’t show how much he ached for her in front of her crew. In private, she would be reminded of exactly how he felt about her, her resistance, the short time he would have with her. If she let him.
Chapter32
Varik clenchedhis jaw and glared at his screen on the deck of theHarlan Johnson.The Treasurewasn’t moving, and it wasn’t back on Cassan. They weren’t moving at all. If they were incapacitated in space, they would still be drifting.
“Jarn,” Varik barked at his lover who occupied the navigator’s chair. “What is at these coordinates?” Varik called out the numbers and repeated them. A few of the crew glanced over, but as long as Varik sat in the captain’s chair they could all keep their opinions to themselves. Especially if they wanted to make it back to the station and get paid.
Credits, or really the threat of losing them, did a lot for maintaining order on the commandeered ship.
“There’s a tiny planet, Arbotriz, there, Captain.”
Varik enjoyed his lover calling him by his title. Even better than sir. But the pleasure was quickly dissipated with the information he found on the planet. Female ruled. Agrarian. Monarchy. With a full service space port.
How the fuck had they managed to getThe Treasurethere? Or even known the planet was there? Varik had no idea. According to his calculations, they should have taken the only alternative and turned back to Cassan. The effort to turn the ship would have caused them to run out of fuel nearby and he could have retrievedThe Treasureeasily.
“Program a course to take us there,” Varik told Jarn.
“What?” The communications officer tossed off his headset and stood. “This is too much. First you take over as captain. Then you don’t return immediately to the Cassan. Now we’re heading to some unknown planet. I didn’t sign up for this.”
Varik narrowed his eyes. “You’re welcome to go. Take anyone with you. I’m happy to open the airlock.”
The communications officer strode across the deck to get in Varik’s face. “Don’t you dare threaten me. I’ve already sent a message to the authorities about Twalley’s passing and notified the grant committee. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll turn this ship around to Cassan.”
Varik stood. “Get off my deck. You’re relieved of duty.” He shot out his arm pointing to the exit. “And you’re confined to quarters.”
“And how do you think you’re going to enforce that?”
At that moment, the two junior engineers, Varik’s people appeared at the entrance to the bridge. “Problem, Captain?”
Varik smiled. “Your escorts are here. They’ll be happy to enforce my orders.” He glanced over the other crew on deck. “Anyone else?”
All heads turned to their screens.
“Good. Jarn? Is the course for Arbotriz laid in?”
“Aye, Captain.”
