Chapter 2

I woke not long after, feeling somewhat better. I decided I needed more food. So I left my room to go to the galley. I found two men sitting at the table. They greeted me and asked if I needed anything.

"I was wondering if you guys had had your meal yet." I was thinking if they hadn't that I could prepare it for them.

"We ate already but there should be some left in the warmer." said one of the men and without even being asked got up and dished up a plate for me. I sat down at the table as he handed it to me. It looked edible. But I was so hungry that looked didn't matter.

"How are you? Will you be able to service the rest of us soon?"

"Gair! You heard what the Captain said. When she's healed and ready, she'll let us now."

"I know, I just thought I'd ask." he said with a guilty look on his face.

"It's all right. It won't be long now, I'm almost fully healed and that's the main reason for waiting." I was a little uncomfortable, but I thought that I needed to get used to these men again so that when the time came I could service them as I had agreed. I finished eating and looked around. The galley was a mess. So without being asked I began to wash all that was in the sink.

"You don't have to do that." said the other man.

"I know but I just thought I'd get a jump on the work so that there won't be as much for me to do tomorrow."

When I had finished with the stuff in the sink I began to gather things from the table. Making sure the two men sitting there were not using or needing them any more.

I was almost done when I heard several men coming from the bridge. Fright was the first reaction but as the first one I saw was Nevin, I relaxed.

"Andy you're up. I hope you slept enough. What are you doing? You shouldn't be cleaning yet."

"It's alright. I feel much better. And yes I have eaten. I was just cleaning up so that I had a head start for tomorrow. Is it time for the watch to change?"

"Yes, most of us will be coming in to have a meal now and then sleep until it is about two hours before our watch." Nevin answered.

"If I had known I would have had a meal ready for you." casting a look at the two men sitting at the table. They both looked like they were trying to be very small.

"Don't worry. The last man that cooked made enough and put it into containers that just has to be heated." Nevin replied with a smile and a chuckle.

He proved this by pulling out several containers and putting one in the heater. The two men at the table got up and left. In a few moments the food was done and he dished up two plates. I tried to tell him that I had eaten before I thought about cleaning some more but I found that I was hungry again. So I sat with him and the others eating and talking about nothing important. Several of the men finished and went off to their bunks. Nevin stayed but I could see he was tired.

"You need sleep. I'll be fine. I'll just clean up what was used, and then go to my room." Shyly and quietly I asked. "Will you be sleeping in there or in your own bunk area?"

"I need to be in my own bunk area. I think, no, I know I couldn't hold back if we where to sleep in the same room." This he said very quietly.

"You might be right, but I don't think it would be you having the difficulty." I looked him straight in the yellow eyes and he could tell that sleep would be the last thing we would get. He smiled, took my hand, turned it over and kissed it. "I'll see you in 8 hours." Then he left the galley. Smiling at myself, I began to cleanup again. And again I was just finishing when the Captain came in. "What are you doing? I thought I said you were to do nothing today."

"You did, Sir. But after I had some rest and had eaten. I found that I was restless and decided to get a jump on the work for tomorrow. "

"Well as long as you are not over doing it. Where is Nevin?"

"I sent him to bed, Sir. He was very tired. I would guess that he was awake worrying over me. It is very kind of him, and kind of you to let him do so, Sir."

"Yes, it is. Now there wouldn't happen to be any of that stew left from earlier, is there?"

"As a matter of fact there is. If you take a seat I'll get it for you." I turned to the warmer, reheated the food inside, dished up a plate and presented it to the Captain. He ate as I did the last of the cleaning. I was just putting away the last when he finished and put his in the sink.

"You can finish the rest tomorrow. I would like to talk to you about how to work out a schedule for later after you have finished with the current rotation."

"As you will." I was thinking that he was going to start things going again whether I was truly ready or not.

He led me to his quarters. Ushered me inside and closed the door. Once in he told me to take one of the two seats available.

"I was thinking that each man would get to have an hour or one time with you. But I can't think how to schedule this."

"Do you have a copy of the duty sheet? We can work from there to start with."

For the next few hours we talked about the schedule. Finally we came up with a system. Since there were currently only 19 on the ship, we came up with 3 men per day for 6 days with the Captain having an hour a day for himself. Then I would get a day off, then the schedule would repeat.

I knew the Captain was hoping I would invite him to take me but I still had a few issues to work out in my head. Just before I was going to leave I asked,. "Sir, if I may ask. Why did you tell Nevin he was not allowed to take part in the group rotations?"

"I thought that was obvious. I figured he was already having you in between, and that it would be safer to have someone standing by just in case. There is one thing I have to say; I didn't know Busch would do what he did. I knew he was angry and frustrated but I never knew he was able to be that way. I have called a friend who knows where Busch lived and have asked him to check on his wife. I don't think he would kill her but she could be hurt. If she is, her family can help her now. If she is fine, she is to be told of his death but not the details of it. The crew could be in a lot of trouble for killing a first mate even with cause."

"I know, sir. And I do appreciate you sparing me."

"If you could have thought of something else, you would have. I tell you now with all truth, you are safe; you will remain on the ship as crew. When we are at a spaceport or other planets other than Cattan, I will even let you leave the ship. It would look bad for a human to walk around by herself, so someone will be with you at all times, so that other will get the right idea and so that I don't get into trouble, you will have to wear a slave collar. But on a better note starting with the new rotation you will also be paid." He named a number. Which was the smallest Catteni denomination of money. "1 chit for every man per trip. This money you can spend on yourself or save it for something bigger. How does that sound to you?"

Three men per day for six days and one day off after and pay on top of that not to bad. "I think I can get by with that, sir."

"Then I think you should go rest for your day tomorrow. And because I am finding it harder and harder to keep myself from grabbing you and... well I know that if you were ready you would have told me or invited me by now."

"Thank you Sir. I'll be ready soon. I promise. When I am ready I will be on your bed waiting for you."

"Go rest. See you tomorrow." And with that he pushed me out the door. I walked to my room, opened the door, stepped inside, locked the door and went to bed.

Nevin woke me the next morning. He took me to the galley for breakfast then to the cargo bay where the laundry was now ready to be washed. We hung the clothing on ropes strung across the bay with the fans for the ventilation system turned up to dry them. I told him what the Captain had said the day before. He was surprised., especially when I told him the Captain already thought he was having sex with me and not wanting to show favoritism, told him, he was out of group rotation. Nevin's gray skin turned a strange color as he blushed all the way down his neck. I thought this was the most adorable thing. I leaned over and kissed him on his cheek. The blush must have gone all the way down to his toes then. After about 2 hours, Nevin had to leave for his watch on the bridge. So I continued on with the laundry. About an hour later, several men came in with more clothing they said they found under one of the bunks. I gave one of the men a look that said he had left it there on purpose. Two of the men I recognized and one I could even put a name to. All however asked if there was anything they could do for me. I told them yes, and asked them to wring out some of the clothing I just washed because I didn't have the strength to do them. I kept washing as they wrang out the items I had indicated. I even handed them a few more as I was done with them.

Not quite an hour later the men had to leave saying they needed to sleep. That was fine I had made a good dent into the pile. I stopped not long after the men left though. I was getting hungry and according to a Catteni timepiece, I found in my room, it was lunchtime. I got to the galley. I was surprised it was not too bad. I found food in the warmer, still warm even. Dished myself up a plate and ate. When I was finished, I cleaned the galley. The table, benches, counters and even the floor was as clean as when the ship was first made. I chose to take a break and went to my room.

I must have fallen asleep. There was a knocking at the door. "I'm coming, I'm coming." I opened the door to find Nevin.

"Are you alright? I was knocking for some time." I let him in the room.

"Yes, I was just sleeping. I didn't realize I would get so tired. I must not be fully recovered."

"As to that, the Captain would like to know how the burn is doing. If you would allow me to check I can give him a report." He said shyly.

I agreed and took off my clothing, lay down on the bed and let him look. He was very gentle. I let slip a small laugh and told he had only tickled. As he made to move away from me, I took hold of his hand and kept it in place.

"Please." I said, "Would you." For a few moments he let his fingers linger on my clit, softly rubbing it. He even slid on finger down to the opening of my pussy. I had closed my eyes. He slowly slid his finger in and out of my pussy. I was in heaven. It was like it was the first time with him. He was even trembling. But he stopped and removed his finger. "I have watch and you need more rest. I will tell the Captain that you need two more days." He moved to the door, turned and looked back at me, smiled and left the room. I just lay there. Had I done something wrong? I thought to myself. Or could it be that he just didn't want to have to stop half way though to go to work. I had some energy back so I dressed and went to check the laundry. It was hard to concentrate, I was so turned on. All I wanted to do was to have Nevin inside of me. I made up my mind that when he got done with bridge watch, and had eaten, we were going to... He was going to be very surprised.

I handed him his plate as soon as he came from the bridge. But to throw Nevin off, I had several plates ready and was handing them out too. As every one finished and made their way to there own bunks, Nevin stayed. "You have done a lot today. You should go to bed early."

"So should you. You were up helping me this morning. So I guess it's off to bed, then."

He got to his feet and began to walk down the hall to the crew quarters. But as he made to turn in to them I stopped him, took his hand and walked him in the other direction. Stopping long enough to open my door and walked us in. The look on his face was priceless; Surprise, anticipation, fear, and happiness all rolled up into one. I turned placing my arms around his neck. "I think we need to finish what was started earlier. Don't you?" Before he had the chance to answer, I pulled him down a little ways and kissed him on the lips. He made his decision in a blink and started to return the kiss with a will. We finally had to stop and come up for air. He did not stop long and he didn't say anything as he picked me up and took me to the bed. By the time he put me down my clothes were gone.

He did indeed start where he left off. As he began with rubbing my clit, he took two fingers and slid them in to my pussy, wriggling them to make me squirm. Finally he could no longer restrain himself. But before he pushed himself in, he stopped to look at me. I looked into his eyes, smiled, and I nodded my head yes. He pushed himself in with slow, even pressure. It felt wonderful. In and out, we continued until I could no longer stand it and told him to go faster. He did as I asked and it had the effect I was after. We both gave soft cries as we both came. He fell to the side, so as not to crush me. We both went to sleep in each other's arms.

In the morning he woke me by kissing my neck. I reached over to play with him and was not at all surprised to find him quite ready. Before he could move to cover me. I mounted him. I moved slowly at first but as he started playing with my clit again, it caused me to move faster. Again we both came at the same time, and I collapsed onto him.

"WOW! You were,... that was,... I have no words." He tried to say as he held me close.

"I know what I would say but it may be too early." I said shyly.

"What would you say?" he looked at me with longing. While stroking my face with his hand.

"I would say; I love you. And hope..." He stopped me with a finger to my lips.

"I love you. I did from the first. That is why I was not happy with you having all the others."

"I still have to. The Captain is going nuts. If I wait to much longer, he may try to force his way or worse."

"I know. You made an agreement. And I'm just going to have to live with it."

We got up, cleaned up, dressed and went to breakfast. Again he helped me with the laundry until he needed to report to watch. I didn't have the heart to tell him that he would be sleeping alone that night. For when he got off bridge duty, I would already be in the Captains quarters, waiting.

Which is just what I did. I ate, and cleaned up. Just before the watch was to change, I slipped into the Captains quarters. Not much had changed from the day before. But as I stood there I heard the men going to the galley from the bridge. I undressed and got under the covers of the bed. I heard someone walk up to the door, stop, and then continue on. The waiting was starting to get to me. Finally I heard what I was waiting for.

The door opened and the Captain walked in. He was thinking so hard he didn't even notice me at first. Then he stopped, turned, and stared at me. I uncovered myself, showing him without words that I was ready. He was in a daze and began undressing, as one in a trance. Moving the blankets completely out of the way. He moved to cover me quickly and pressed himself in. He moved fast but not hard. It was much nicer being on a bed. Then with one final thrust he came and dropped down on to me. Though after a few moments he rosed up to look at me.

"I hope I didn't hurt you?"

"No. It was good. Though a little one sided."

"What?" He said as I pushed him over and mounted him.

He didn't need any help in getting ready. So I slid myself down onto his dick and I began moving up and down, making a circle at the end of some of the down strokes, which made him moan every time. He began to play with my clit, rubbing it, flicking it, then taking two fingers and rubbing the lips of my pussy, as I moved up and down. I was still a little surprised when any of the Catteni did that. Then he slid his fingers in, making it tighter for his dick. Finally, with a soft cry I came. But we were not done yet as he removed his hand and placed both on my hips, began helping me to move faster and a little harder up and down. Then he too came with a groan. I moved off him and down to the side.

"So was it worth the wait."

"Oh yes. Definitely worth the wait. Are you doing all right? I haven't been too rough?"

"Not at all, but I think it could be better." I reached down and began to tease him again.

With a startled surprise he said, "You tease, I'll show you better." and he covered me again. I gave a soft laugh, and pulled the pillow from behind my head as he raised my legs farther than he had before. He plunged his dick into my pussy hard and fast. I moaned with pleasure, as he rammed into me. Faster and harder than he had, before but not as hard as he had in the cargo bay. It took some time and about half way through he dropped one of my legs and turned me on to my side still moving well in and out of me. With a final thrust that was as hard as he could, he came. He fell to the side, pulling out of me as he did. Then just before he fell asleep he pulled me to him in a bear hold and went to sleep. I was just as tired so after pulling the blankets up around us, I fell asleep too.

I was awakened the next morning by the fact that the Captain was fondling a breast and playing with my clit. He had a leg thrown over on of mine and had used it to separate them. This felt very good and I gave a soft moan of pleasure.

"Good morning, you tease. At least it will be." he whispered into my ear. He rolled me onto my stomach and positioned himself between my legs. And before I could say anything, he slid himself in. Slowly he moved, in and out. Reaching around, he started to play with first my breasts and then down to my clit. He took his time, as he brought me to a point just before I would have cum. Then he stopped playing, placing both hands on my hips and started ramming into me. Harder and faster, in and out, driving himself with a will. Finally he came. I tried to collapse forward on to the bed but he still had a hold of me. After a few moments he shoved me to the bed. Flipped me back, raised my legs and rammed his dick in to me again. His hands were holding my legs at the knees as he continued to drive himself in. He was pushing my legs farther and farther apart, almost to the breaking point. He was insatiable; I began to fear that he would never stop. Then with a cry of relief he came, and collapsed next to me on the bed breathless. He began talking before I had my breath back. "That will teach you to tease your Captain." He paused for a moment as if waiting for a reply, which I was not silly enough to give. "Today we have to stop at a space station to resupply. We will be unloading half of the slaves too. You must not be seen. I will have Nevin lock you both in here. No one would dare enter the Captain's quarters without my say so. But you must not be heard either. We will not be there long. After that you will need to finish with the men."

"Why not have them meet me in the cargo bay now?" I asked but really didn't think I had it in me to take them on just yet.

"You have to clean up from doing the laundry. And those that have not had you will be on watch until just before we dock."

"If I may ask. Are you planning on get a new man here?"

"No. We must wait to get back to our home base for that. I know someone who is available for the job. But you don't have to worry about that now. We have 4 weeks yet to go." I let out a small sigh. He laughed. "Get dressed. And finish working in the cargo bay. We will be needing the space soon."

So I did. It didn't take that long to take the laundry down now that it was dry. I folded it and hand it over to the first Catteni I found in the hallway. Nevin came in looking tired. He looked at me with a sad look on his face. "You were with the Captain?"

"Yes. I didn't mean to be all night. He wouldn't let go. I couldn't get his hands to separate even after he was a sleep." I looked at him with sad pleasing eyes hoping he would see that I was very sorry.

"So..."

I walked over to him kissed him on the mouth. "If I could have been anywhere it would have been in your arms last night. All I could think of was how mad you where going to be with me. Do you forgive me?"

"How can I forgive you, when you were not the one at fault." Then he kissed me again.

"The Captain told me that we'll be stopping at a station today." I said when we broke from the kiss. "You and I are to lock ourselves in the Captain's quarters. Then after we leave, you're to set the times for the others to have their turns. I get one day off when they are done, and then we start the new schedule."

He couldn't say anything to that. He helped me to remove the ropes and put them away. "How long till you need to be on bridge duty?"

"I have just under an hour. Why?"

I took his hand and walked us to the door. Looking out to check if there was anyone in the corridor and pulled him to my room. He wasted no time once we got there and the door to my room closed behind him. I took him on top, it being the easiest way for him to play with me at the same time. Sadly though it didn't take all that long before we both gave moans of pleasure as we came.

We cleaned up quickly and walked to the galley, like nothing had happened. I was hungry, but he had only time enough to take a bite or two from my plate and headed for the bridge. I decided to check the cargo bay one last time to make sure all was cleaned up. Once that was done I went back to the galley to start clean up there. It was a good thing too. The mess had doubled in the short time I had been gone. There were several men at the table and they were both surprised and pleased to see me and that I was cleaning up, which meant they didn't have too. They talked about the station we were going to, and how it was a cesspit. How only the lowest of the low and those in complete disgrace got sent to work this post. They were very glade it wasn't them.

I had plates of food out and ready for the men as they came off the bridge. Nevin wasn't with them but one of the others told me that the Captain had detained him for a moment. When he did arrive he ate quickly. I had eaten just before they had arrived. Then he took me by the arm and led me to the Captains quarters. He opened the door, walked us inside and locked the door.

"How long until we make the station?" I asked in the quiet.

"About an hour. We're not to leave for any reason. And if someone tries to get in." He pulled a stunner out from its holster.

"And what do we do until then?" I had a devious look in my eye that he matched, but...

"The Captain has told me that if we do, he'll personally space me. And I believe him. There is something that can be done while we are waiting, though. Will you teach me en-gl-ish? I would like to learn. And you never told me how you learned Catteni so well, even though I have never asked."

"I'd be happy to teach you English. Lets sit and I'll tell you how I learned your language." We both sat down on the bed.

"It's not a very happy story. I was still on earth after your people took the first of mine off to who knows where. I found myself living near a Catteni base. There were lots of families being ripped apart. And there were a lot of children who needed someone. I had gathered about ten, all very small and under the age of ten, most with the same story. mom or dad dead or taken. After about four months it became obvious that we were running out of food, so I went begging. First from neighbors, they helped if they could, but most didn't. One day there was a group of Catteni teasing and picking on a young girl. She was no more than 13. Somehow, I got the courage to walk right up to them and told them to stop, by then most humans new a few words. They were surprised, but stopped. I told them they didn't want to play with a child. They wanted someone that knew what they were doing. At least that was what I was trying to say. I told them to give me the girl and I would take her place. Eventually they shoved the girl to me. I told her to take what I had and go to my house. She agreed and ran as soon as I let her go. That was when the men grabbed me, pulled me between two buildings, one liked hitting, but the others were happy with just having sex. When they were done I was beaten and sore. All but one left laughing. The one that stayed asked why. I told him I couldn't let them hurt a child. Then he asked why I was out. I told him that I was finding food for babies. Remember all of this was in miming and gestures. He asked where I lived. I told him not far and that I would make it back all right. He gave me a ration bar and told me to eat. Then he asked how many babies I had. I said 10. He was quiet for a few moments, then told me to come to the south corner of the base. He would give me some food for the babies. Then he left. I sat for a while longer then got to my feet. I was half way home when the girl that I had rescued, found and helped me the rest of the way. The children were scared when they saw me.

Two days later found me near the south corner of the base. I was hiding. Most people were killed out of hand just being this closed to the fence. I had no idea what I was doing. Then a truck came up to the fence, stopped, and the man that had told me to be there stepped out. He looked around and walked over to a gate and opened it. He saw me move as I stood for a quick moment. He waved me to him. He took me by the arm and pushed me into the truck. Then he got inside. He asked what I would do for the food. I asked what he wanted. It was sex, of course. And I said yes. We had sex and I came away with a good-sized box of ration bars. He told me to come back in two day and he'd have more for me. The next time was human made, canned goods. The third was blankets. After that it was only once a week. And sometimes he brought a friend. We also taught each other the others language. After a year there were 15 kids and 2 other woman who I had saved from rape gangs. Vili was the Catteni that was helping me. He was like you in a way, as long as I made him happy. I shared as much as I could but the kids always came first. Then one day as I was on my way to make the pick up, some of the humans thought they would attack the base and Vili was killed. Most of the humans were rounded up. I had just about made it home when a ship flew overhead. It didn't gas the area. They bombed it. I don't know when it was hit, but as I got there, I only found the two women and the 13 year old, all three holding babies and running. Four babies were saved. And I knew there were no others; there was no house left. The whole area was practically leveled. The others didn't stop running, and for good reason. Catteni solders were searching the area now. I didn't care. I didn't move. A soldier grabbed me. He was one that Vili would bring. Quietly he asked what happened. I told him. Then I told him that all the children were dead. I think at that point he was more upset about the children than for his friend. Someone came by then and took me from him. I was loaded onto a ship and sent off to your distribution planet. I hardly talked or ate. The only time I would awaken was to keep someone else from being beaten or raped. I think I was hoping that one would go too far and kill me, but then I always made the Catteni happy. Eventually I realized that I wasn't to be killed and that I was doing what I could to keep people from being hurt. It didn't make me many friends but I made a difference. That's why when I woke I was not afraid of what would happen. I knew."

Nevin just stared at me with his mouth hanging open. He looked kind of silly so I kissed him. Then he shook all over. "You must be the bravest woman I have ever known, to place yourself in harms way for so many others."

He took me into his arms. For some reason this touched me. I began to cry and could not stop. He just held me as I cried for the little ones, that until now I had not let go of. Nevin, held me not knowing what else to do, rocking back and forth in the hope that it would help. It was some time later when the tears stopped. Nevin handed me a rag to wipe my face with.

"Are you better now?" he sounded shaken himself.

"I think so. I guess I needed that. This is something that all humans go through when there is a loss like this, both for males and females. It's not always the same but eventually we have to cry the grief out. It helps us to move forward."

"Catteni males don't grieve. We just get angry. Our females will shed tears if something bad happens to a child or a mate, and our young, when they fall and hurt themselves. But that is not very often and we learn very young that small hurts are nothing to cry about."

"How long now until we get to the space station?"

"We're already at the station. We docked just before you finished your story. I think you did not notice because of all the emotions that were running high. You look tired. I want you to sleep for a little."

"I think I will." And with that I crawled to the top of the bed pulled a cover over me and fell asleep.

The room was not dark but the lights were dimmed when I woke some time later. I heard someone snoring. It sounded like it was coming from one of the chairs. I tried to move but was stiff and stuck in the blankets. I finally got myself unwound from them and went to take care of some personal needs but did not flush the unit for fear it would be heard out in the hall. When I came out my hand was grabbed. "Good, you did the right thing. There are many in the hall right now. More than there should be. You should try to sleep some more, the time will pass more quickly." Nevin whispered.