Ellie Blackmore, The Space Pirate
Chapter V
Ellie, Dapa, and Ezri stood before Lak as he inspected their uniforms. Unbeknownst to them he had a surprise in store, one that would undoubtedly cause much consternation among the crew members of the pirate ship, of that there was no doubt. Ellie and Dapa were dressed in the common uniform used aboard ship, while Ezri being a slave girl, was clothed differently but unique in her own way. Her slim Tuarian body was draped seductively in slave silk but she was covered far more than was usual for her, almost modestly in fact.
Ellie and Dapa wore tight fitting, medium grey bodysuits with black piping, a near copy of what the pirate captain himself was wearing.
As they preened before his gaze he spoke in a serious voice that indicated he'd put plenty of thought into his speech.
"Ellie, I've decided to make you first mate of my ship. Your loyalty and willingness to risk your life to save mine should be rewarded. It's the least I can do." Ellie stood wide eyed and startled at his words and tried to form an answer but he held up a hand to silence her.
"Also, Dapa will be made my navigator and chief pilot for the same reasons. She really went above and beyond when she came down to rescue us. Both of you are free from being made slaves or mating with Paladian males. I can't in good conscience force that fate on either of you after your recent actions."
On hearing his words, Dapa let out a cry and ran to his arms with tears leaking from her eyes. He smiled gently and held her while she sobbed happily.
"Ezri," he continued, "for your bravery in helping Dapa escape Dar's clutches and furthermore enduring his torture, I give you your freedom. From now on you're free to do anything you like and to go anywhere you desire. I'll fully fund you for the remainder of your life."
She let out a terrible cry, leaving them to wonder if she was excited or frightened to death. She joined Dapa in his arms and cried her heart out while he kissed her sweetly.
"Oh, Master!" she managed between sobs, "Please don't make me leave you! You're my life and reason to live. If my freedom means I must leave, then I choose to remain a slave girl! Please, Master! Keep me at your side!"
Ellie's heart went out to the poor little Tuarian female so she went to her and hugged her gently, sharing the embrace with Lak and Dapa.
"Of course I'll keep you, sweetheart. You can do anything you please, including staying with me. In fact it gladdens my heart that you choose to, but I insist you accept your freedom. Keep it to yourself if you must, but I mean for you to be free." She fell to her knees and hugged his thighs while looking up at him beseechingly.
"May I stay collared, please, Master?" she begged as she unconsciously ran a finger between the black leather band and her slender neck. "Will you still use me when you need comfort?" He knelt in front of her and held her tightly to his chest.
"Of course, my sweet. Your wish is my command. You've done for more for me than I can ever repay." She sobbed happily and kissed his face repeatedly until he smiled and broke out in joyful laughter. Dapa and Ellie knelt as well and joined the two in their happiness. Soon enough, Lak broke them up and stood to his feet.
"Next on the list of things to do is to arm my new crew members. To the armory!" he commanded.
Once there, he produced a chip implant device and after programming three new chips, fired them into the right index fingers of the girls while they squealed aloud in pain. He included Ezri much to her surprise.
"My women will never be unarmed again," he said in a low, angry voice. "These chips are programmed to allow you three access to any compartment aboard ship, including my private quarters. They'll also allow you to use all our weapons systems from handheld blasters to the photon torpedoes. I want you all to be able to assist me in any way possible when we get in trouble again, which I'm sure we will," he said with a glint in his now grey eyes.
"Furthermore, you'll be able to operate all our cloaking devices, both integral to the ship as well as the fighters and the belts Ellie and I used when we retook the bridge. Any questions?"
The girls were in mild shock at the responsibilities he'd gifted them with and could only shake their heads as they struggled to comprehend their new situation.
"Ezri, you and I will do some small arms training immediately. I want you fairly competent with both rifle and pistol in short order."
"Yes, Master. I'd love to, it'll be fun!" she said excitedly. He then withdrew two rifles and pistols from the racks and gave them to Ellie and Dapa.
"When I address the crew, you two keep your eyes peeled. If anyone goes off halfcocked, take them down hard. I've no need for disloyal pirates. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!" the two beauties barked out and nearly saluted him, such was the authority in his tone. He smiled and reached into a nearby locker to withdraw a large knife and utility belt, then wrapped it twice around Ezri's waist and sheathed the blade at her side.
"You too, little one. If anyone gives you any grief or threatens you at all, stick 'em good!" She lovingly gazed up at him and gave him the most beautiful smile he'd ever received from her.
"I will, Master. Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome. Ladies, let's head for the bridge!"
"Captain's on the bridge!" The cry rang out as Lak's forbidding hulk stepped through the bulkhead door. Every eye turned to him and swiftly quailed under his steel gaze. His eyes were a cold grey, greyer than any crewman had ever seen them, and they expected the worst.
"Listen up ya scurvy dogs!" he thundered. "From now on, former Captain Ellie Blackmore will reign as first mate on this ship! Does anyone have a problem with that?" A few shocked gasps were audible as the import of his announcement sank in. It was unheard of for a female to serve as first mate, much less one that had been captured and relegated to slave status.
"Furthermore, former enlisted navigator, Dapa Centauri, is now navigator and chief pilot! Again, are there any problems with that?"
A weak 'no, sir' echoed in the silence.
"What?" he roared, now louder than ever.
"No, sir!" the remaining crewmen cried out, eager now to please their captain. Everyone had taken note of the rifles and pistols slung around the two females lean frames and sharp minds were putting two and two together.
"Everyone knows my girl Ezri, correct?"
"Yes, sir!"