Chapters 8: Captive or Captain?

Ny’Vara’s words hung in the air like a death sentence.

“This ship is under my control.”

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. Twelve warships outside. Armed warriors on board. A fleet commander who saw me as a threat.

Yeah. Not ideal.

I exhaled slowly. “Look, I get it. I’m some random human flying a warship that shouldn’t exist. That’s bound to raise a few red flags.” I spread my hands. “But taking control of my ship? Not happening.”

Ny’Vara’s emerald eyes flashed with amusement. “Your ship?” She gestured to the massive bulkheads around us. “This dreadnought belonged to a race of warriors who vanished centuries ago. You merely stumbled upon it. A scavenger playing at command.”

Ouch.

One of her soldiers—a massive, dark-furred brute—growled. “We should kill him now and seize the ship.”

Ny’Vara lifted a hand, silencing him. “Perhaps. But I am curious how a lone human activated this vessel when no one else could.”

I took a slow breath. That was my edge.

They didn’t understand why the ship responded to me.

And until I figured it out myself, I had to play smart.

“Because the ship recognizes me as its captain,” I said, letting the words settle. “I didn’t just turn it on—I bonded with it.”

Ny’Vara’s tail flicked in irritation. “Explain.”

I glanced at the nearest control panel, then back to her. This was a gamble, but I had no choice.

I turned to G’Lan. “Lock down all primary systems.”

A soft chime sounded. “Confirmed. Command override initiated. Only the captain may issue further orders.”

Ny’Vara’s expression barely changed, but I saw the subtle tension in her stance. The warriors at her back shifted, hands tightening on their weapons.

She studied me for a long moment before speaking.

“Interesting.”

### A Fragile Standoff

For what felt like an eternity, the bridge remained silent.

I could practically feel the weight of Ny’Vara’s scrutiny. She was analyzing me, calculating her next move.

Finally, she turned slightly toward her soldiers. “Stand down.”

The warriors hesitated, but one nod from her was all it took. They relaxed—but only slightly.

Ny’Vara’s piercing gaze returned to me. “You claim this ship recognizes you as its master. Prove it.”

I smirked. “What, you want me to make it dance?”

Her ears twitched in what might have been amusement. “I want you to take us to the nearest K’Zari outpost. If you truly control this vessel, you will have no issue setting a course.”

I crossed my arms. “And if I refuse?”

Her emerald eyes gleamed. “Then we take the ship by force.”

Well. That was blunt.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. Options. I needed options.

If I resisted, they’d try to seize the ship. That would either end in me getting shot or a full-scale battle with the fleet outside.