Star Thrust ch. 4

Back to the Bridge Babes

Hawke was halfway down the corridor when his communicator chirped. He took a deep breath, steeling himself, and tapped it. “Captain here.”

“Captain, this is Commander Rem.” Galadria’s voice was as devoid of emotion as ever. “Your presence is requested on the bridge. We have detected a minor spatial anomaly that requires your input.”

“On my way.”

He changed direction toward the nearest turbolift. A spatial anomaly on his first day? Nothing too dramatic, hopefully. Just enough to be his first real command decision. Meeting the engine room crew would have to wait.

The turbolift deposited him back on the bridge less than a minute later. All four improbably sexy officers were at their stations, and the viewscreen displayed what looked like a swirling patch of distorted space.

“Report,” Hawke said, moving to his chair.

Moxie spoke up, her voice gaining confidence when discussing science. “Captain, we detected an unusual energy signature approximately point-three light years from our planned route to Sector Nine. It’s not dangerous, but the readings are irregular. Could be a natural phenomenon or possibly residual technology from an unknown source.”

Hawke studied the display, nodding, trying his best to look thoughtful and captain-like. “Commander Rem, your analysis?”

Galadria pulled up a series of charts on her screen. “The energy signature does not match any known natural phenomena in our database. However, the readings are also inconsistent with any catalogued technology. There are three logical possibilities: first, a previously undocumented natural occurrence. Second, debris from an unregistered vessel. Third, an intentional marker or beacon from an unknown party.”

“Lieutenant Yeshka, can I get a navigation perspective?”

Darla’s fingers danced across her console. “We can easily route around it, sir, giving it a wide berth. Would add maybe forty minutes to our journey. Minimal fuel impact.”

He nodded and turned to the Horukar. “Lieutenant Karra, tactical assessment, please?”

Shayden didn’t look up from her displays. “No active threat detected, Captain. But unknown signatures always warrant caution. I recommend maintaining yellow alert status if we approach for closer analysis.”

Hawke leaned back in his chair. This was the big moment. His first real decision as captain. The crew was watching him, waiting. He considered the options. They could investigate personally, but the Bruce Campbell was a small science vessel. Capable, but not well-equipped for deep spatial analysis. They could route around it entirely. Or they could do the smart thing.

“We’ll log the anomaly and transmit the data to Star Force,” he said. “Let a dedicated research vessel investigate. Our sensors aren’t equipped for the kind of analysis this requires, and we have our own mission objectives to pursue.”

Galadria turned to face him. Her raised eyebrows both lowered a fraction. “A logical decision, Captain. Reporting the anomaly serves the Confederation’s scientific interests while acknowledging our vessel’s limitations. I concur with your assessment.”

Coming from a Vultarian, that was practically a standing ovation. Hawke felt a small surge of confidence.

“Lieutenant Moxani, compile the data packet and prepare it for transmission. Include all sensor readings and our preliminary analysis. Lieutenant Yeshka, plot our original course and prepare to engage at my command.”

“Yes sir,” they both said.

Hawke watched his crew work for a moment. They moved efficiently, professionally. This was going well so far. Maybe he could actually do this captain thing.

“Engage. In the meantime, I’ll be conducting brief one-on-one interviews with each bridge officer,” he announced. “Standard procedure for a new captain. Commander Rem, you’re first. The rest of you, maintain current operations.”

The crew acknowledged him in their own ways. It was still all so formal, which it should be, but at the same time the formalities seemed out of place given… everything. Hawke stood and gestured toward the ready room, and Galadria followed him inside without so much as a nod.

The door slid shut behind them seconds later. The Vultarian stood at attention initially, with her hands clasped behind her back and shoulders tight. Hawke moved to sit behind the desk and motioned to the chair across from him.

“Have a seat, Commander.”

Galadria obeyed, but she sat with her back straight and hands in her lap. The pose was so stiff she might as well still be standing. Fighting off an urge to sigh, he started with the standard, less spicy questions.

“So, Commander, first of all, welcome to the crew. How’s the transition been so far? Do you have any concerns about the ship or your duties?”

“The transition has been satisfactory, Captain. The ship’s systems are well-designed and efficiently organized. The crew appears capable. I have no concerns regarding my duties as executive officer, other than the fact that they have not yet commenced.”

She answered like she was reading a prepared statement at the wrong end of a laz pistol. Hawke tried a few more questions. How was her quarters? Fine. Any issues with the other bridge officers? None. Did she need anything to feel comfortable?

“No, Captain. Everything is satisfactory.”

Then her posture shifted slightly. Just a millimeter, but he noticed.

“Well, nearly. Captain, I regret that I must return to the topic of our primary mission.”

Here we go, Hawke thought. He’d never once felt so exasperated by a woman more or less pleading to have sex with him. The Cadet he was seven years ago would tweak his nipples and knee his crotch so hard for the fact that he wasn’t already railing this exotic alien woman right now, but there was something so forced and strange about the circumstances. It was all so… unprofessionally professional.

Galadria went on, heedless of any change in his expression. “The serum in your system requires exposure to begin its adaptive process. Each day we delay represents lost efficiency. Logically, we should commence the biological aspects of our assignment as soon as possible.” Her hands were clasped in her lap now, but her knuckles were slightly white. “The most expedient approach would be for me to remove my uniform and bend over this table right now. You have my permission to take me from behind, Captain. It would be quick and efficient, and I could return to my duties fully relieved and satisfied that our mission is on track, all within fifteen minutes.”

Hawke almost admired how she said this with the same tone she’d used to tell him about the anomaly mere minutes ago. Hawke’s brain took a moment to catch up with his ears.

The poor woman. He could see the stress in her posture even though her face remained well schooled and neutral. Seven days without release, he remembered. For a Vultarian who apparently needed that release to maintain emotional control, that had to be brutal. He went seven days without climaxing on a few occasions. He wouldn’t recommend it.

“Commander,” he said carefully, forcing a smile. “Let no one say I don’t appreciate your commitment to the mission. But I need some time to settle in as captain. Just grant me a short while  to get my bearings.”

“Captain, the logic of—”

He held up a hand. “However, I promise you this. Tonight, after my evening shower, I’ll page you to my quarters. We’ll get the ball rolling then. That’s my word as your superior.”

Her posture shifted. Not dramatically, but enough. “That is acceptable, Captain. You have my gratitude. I am looking forward to engaging in coitus with you, particularly vaginal intercourse terminating in internal ejaculation.”

“Uh—right. Me too.” Hawke tensed. That was the least hot way to say “Captain, I can’t wait for you to creampie me” he’d ever heard.

But she actually sounded relieved. The iron control was still there, but underneath it he could sense her relaxing, and that made him feel like—well, like he was doing his job.

“Dismissed, Commander.”

She stood, gave a single precise nod, and left. The door slid shut behind her seconds later, and as soon as it did, he adjusted his pants a bit.

Hawke took a breath. One down. Three to go.

“Lieutenant Yeshka, report to the ready room please.”

Darla entered with a warm smile he was already getting familiar with, settling into the chair like they were old friends meeting for tea. It was an immediate contrast to Galadria’s rigidity. Hopefully it would be just as open and forthright.

“How are you settling in, Lieutenant?”

She beamed with him. “Oh, I love it, Captain. The Bruce Campbell is a beautiful little ship.” He was almost entranced by her smile. “I never thought I’d be part of a bridge team for a new vessel like this so early in my career. The helm controls are incredibly responsive, and everything runs like—well, like new! I’ve been running simulations in my downtime and they handle like a dream. And the crew seems so cute in their own ways. I already feel at home.”

Hawke smiled back at her, nodding as she spoke. Her warmth had infected him.

She was also clearly attracted to him. It was there in the way she looked at him, the slight lean in her posture, the breathiness in her voice. It wasn’t like she was coming onto him so much as she was trying to put him at ease. To make it clear, maybe, that there were no issues on her end.

Still, he had to bring it up. “And the other aspects of our assignment? How are you feeling about those?”

She grinned, which was a good sign. “I figured we’d get to that soon enough. Look, Captain, I want to be clear. I’m definitely on board with the mission. Very on board. You’re sexy and impressive, I’m hot and fertile, this whole situation is so exciting, and I signed up knowing exactly what I was getting into.” She paused. “But I’d like to ask for a couple days to settle in first, if that’s alright.”

He nodded without missing a beat. “Of course. Take whatever time you need.”

She smiled almost apologetically. “It’s just that I’m still unpacking, I’ve got transfer paperwork coming out of my hoo-ha, and I’m still trying to familiarize myself with all the ship’s systems.” She laughed. “Some of the software is so new that they it didn’t even exist when I was at the academy. It’s just… when I sleep with you, I want to be able to focus on it completely. I don’t want to be thinking about the three forms I still need to file or where to put my furry boots made from trebble hide.”

Hawke appreciated this more than she knew. “Absolutely, Lieutenant. That makes perfect sense. No pressure, no timeline. When you’re ready.”

They shook hands before parting. Yeshka’s grip was warm and friendly. He had a feeling the grip of the next officer he was going to call in might be a bit different.

“I appreciate you being so understanding, Captain.” She stood, then winked. “But don’t worry. I won’t make you wait too long.”

He had a good time watching her leave. She wore the uniform damn well. Hawke was starting to really like Darla.

On to the next one. With a tap at his chest, he paged the next officer. “Lieutenant Karra, your turn.”

The Horukar entered like she was looking for a fight, but in a wholesome way. Her red eyes glared at him as she smiled softly, showing sharp teeth. She sat when he gestured, but remained alert and ready.

He jumped right into it. “How’s the adjustment going, Lieutenant?”

Her face lit up. Well, as much as a Horukar’s face could light up. “Captain, being on the bridge of a starship, even a small one like this, is everything I hoped for when I joined Star Force. And to be the tactical and security officer?” She shook her head. “A dream come true. I never thought I’d have this opportunity so soon.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Based on your file, you’ve more than earned your position.”

“Thank you, sir. I’m not sure I agree, but this is a peculiar mission with peculiar requirements, so who’s to say?””

He paused, then asked the question. “Speaking of those other aspects of the mission?”

Shayden was quiet for a moment as she seemed to be gathering her thoughts. In a way, he liked when this happened, because it made him feel like he wasn’t the crazy one for thinking this was all so strange. It was a little weird seeing Rem and Yeshka both adapting far too easily. 

When she spoke, her voice was softer than he’d yet heard it. “I must confess something, Captain. After Commander Rem pointed out why sex is not particularly seen as pleasurable for Horukar women...” She met his eyes. “I find myself curious. I have not engaged in intercourse before. I have had no reason to do so, since I had no intention of procreating at the time. Sex is only for this purpose on my world, you see. But if what the Commander said is true, if human males don’t have that same numbing agent, then...” She leaned forward slightly. “I want to know what an orgasm with a partner actually feels like.”

Her honesty was startling. And arousing, if he was being honest with himself.

“All in good time, Lieutenant.”

She seemed to take that as an affront. “Actually, Captain, I have a proposal. A challenge.”

Hawke raised an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”

“We arm wrestle, like Cadets at the academy do. If I win, you bring me to one of these orgasms I’ve heard so much about. If you win, I do the same for you.”

On any other mission, such a challenge would be insane. Completely inappropriate. On this one, though, it seemed to fit the general theme. Furthermore, Horukar culture valued physical contests. 

“I respect your traditions and embrace your curiosity, Lieutenant. I accept your challenge.” As he said this, the Captain’s girthy member flailed once in his pants like a Galutian space eel that had been struck by a plasma cannon.

They rose together, and Shayden cleared space on the table. Soon they were seated again, and they faced each other directly. She extended her arm. Hawke clasped her hand. Her grip was strong, her skin warm. What struck him most was how soft her palms were.

“Ready, Captain?”

“Born ready, Lieutenant. Engage!”

The contest began. Hawke put his full strength into it, but he knew it was a lost cause before he ever accepted the challenge. The goal here was not to win but to impress with his courage and his tenacity. 

So far, it seemed to be going well. Shayden’s eyes widened slightly when his arm didn’t immediately give way like she’d expected. He was stronger than most humans, with unusual muscle density due to some genetic experimentation several generations back. He also always made it a point to workout, which put him in better shape than most officers, especially those who spent their days behind consoles. His muscles strained, but so did hers.

In the end, however, Horukar women were inherently stronger. They had superior muscle structure, evolved for their high-gravity homeworld. Yes, she won, but it took effort. It cost her some sweat.

His arm hit the table, and Shayden grinned.

“You are quite imposing for a human male, Captain. Especially one who previously held a cushy courier job.”

Hawke laughed, shaking out his arm. “You win, Lieutenant. I pay my debts. For the record, it wasn’t always as cushy as it was supposed to be.”

The reality of what he’d just agreed to hit him the second Shayden started blushing. This was it. This was the first time crossing that line.

Shayden stood and began unfastening her uniform pants. There was no hesitation, nor embarrassment. She removed them along with the slim black thong underneath, bending interestingly to peel it off. Her legs were athletic and muscular, smoother looking than he’d expected. Horukar women were like Vultarians, apparently, in that they had absolutely no body hair. Her body, in addition to being hairless, was taut with muscle but undeniably beautiful and feminine.

But he needed to be focused on his promise for now. “If your objective is to climax, Lieutenant, I know a method that tends to be quite effective.”

She looked curious, and she bit her lip and twisted a pigtail slightly before asking, “What method?”

“Trust me on this.”

He gently guided her to sit on the edge of the table. She followed his lead, watching him intently. He positioned her legs, spreading them carefully apart, and her blush deepened.

“What are you—”

“Trust me,” he repeated.

Hawke knelt between her legs, ready to blow her mind. From what he’d heard, this kind of foreplay didn’t exist in Horukar culture. She was watching him with uncertainty but also curiosity as he reported for duty. He started with his fingers, exploring gently. Her anatomy was similar enough to humans but with minor differences. Her labia were darker, almost burgundy. Her clitoris was more prominent than a human woman’s. She was already wet from anticipation.

He leaned in and used his mouth the way he knew how. His tongue found her clit and she gasped as he latched on and made himself comfortable. He circled the target gingerly at first, getting a feel for what made her react. Her breathing changed. She gripped the edge of the table and let out a groan of pleasure.

“Ohhh! Captain, what are you—oh, Krimtar!”

He sucked gently on her clit while his fingers explored her entrance. She was tight. Hot, even. He pushed one finger inside, curling it upward, searching for that sweet spot, but not sure he’d find it. It didn’t feel exactly the same as a human woman’s G-Spot, but she made a sound she’d probably never made before, and he considered that a good sign. “Nyah!”

Encouraged, he added a second finger, working in a steady rhythm while his tongue continued its attack on her clit. She was panting like an animal now. Her thighs tensed against his shoulders as he deepened his kiss. Her hands moved from the table to his hair, gripping hard. “Oh, Captain! My Captain!”

Less than three minutes in, her whole body went rigid. Then it happened: she climaxed. Hard. Her pussy clenched around his fingers in waves, and fluid leaked from her cunt ina  surprising volume. She actually cried out in something between a gasp and a shout, then a long, droning moan. Her thighs locked around his head for the duration, and from his perspective, the orgasm seemed to go on and on, her body shaking with it.

Finally she relaxed. Hawke withdrew his fingers and stood, wiping his mouth. That sweet, refreshing flavor of Horukar pussy was not one he was about to forget, nor was it one he was eager to get out of his mouth. He watched her with no small degree of self-confidence, noting how she was breathing hard, staring at the ceiling with vacant eyes.

“That... that was...”

She couldn’t even finish the sentence, apparently.

“Glad I could follow through on my bet, Lieutenant.”

Shayden sat up slowly, still processing. “I had no idea. No idea that was even possible.” She looked at him with something like awe. “Is it always like that?”

He shrugged and sat back down. “It can be. It can sometimes be better.” He smiled at her shocked face. “The actual act of intercourse can be even more intense. Especially if we approach it as something of a contest. A friendly skirmish, if you’re interested. Maybe that would fit your specific sensibilities?”

Her eyes lit up at the word ‘skirmish.’ “I’m very interested, Captain.”

She slid off the table and retrieved her uniform pants. As she pulled them on, she paused, looked at her discarded underwear on the floor, picked them up, and held them out to Hawke.

“A token of honor for your victory over my body today.”

He took them, bemused. The fabric was damp. It took everything in his soul to not shove this skimpy scrap of fabric against his nose right now and take the galaxy’s most ridiculous sniff. “Technically I lost,” he reminded her with an intentionally flirty smirk.

“You lost the arm wrestling match, Captain. But you certainly won my respect and loyalty on this day.”

She finished dressing, adjusted her uniform to perfect regulation, stood at attention briefly, then grinned her sharp-toothed grin.

“I should return to my station. The Tribb has been waiting anxiously for her interview. I can only imagine what she must be thinking if she could hear my moans from outside.”

“I have to assume a starship ready room door in the year of Our Lord 2584 is soundproof,” Hawke chuckled, then waved her off.

She left with a technically unnecessary salute. Hawke barely took the time to stuff the underwear up his nose and then in a desk drawer before calling for Moxie.

“Lieutenant Moxani, report to the ready room at your earliest convenience.”

The door opened. The small Tribb entered, and her antennae were already drooping with anxiety. She took two steps inside, then stopped.

Her black eyes widened cutely. She looked at the table where Shayden had been sitting and cocked her head.

“Captain?” Her voice was very small. “Why is the table so wet?”