Passion and Peril on the Frontier

Chapter 6

Maxwell was still rapt from his night with Bethany, and images of her writhing under him were burned into his memory.

Ava returned from walking Bethany home, and Maxwell awaited the good-natured teasing.

"So I think you may have given the girl the best night of her life," she said with a grin.

He was about to reply when Aurora spoke up.

"Your grace, several ships have just dropped out of warp above the planet," announced Aurora.

Maxwell and Ava made their way to the bridge and found Dalton and Atherton at their stations.

"It's three trade guild vessels, sir; they are transmitting the correct codes," said Atherton.

"Hail them," ordered Maxwell.

Atherton tapped at her console and nodded.

"Well, good morning, your grace; I have arrived like promised," said Astrid over comms.

Maxwell grinned, and Ava just rolled her eyes. Maxwell instructed Astrid and her ships to land, and the three cargo ships were soon flying over the colony, then coming into land next to the mining ship.

Astrid and Ava went to meet Astrid and her ship's crew, and the former smuggler gave them a big smile.

"Well, hello again, your grace," she said, giving him an exaggerated bow.

"Astrid," said Maxwell.

"Hello, Astrid," said Ava evenly.

The two women stared each other down, and Maxwell stood between them.

"Ok, then, how we go meet the locals, shall we?" suggested Maxwell firmly.

"Of course," said Astrid.

They all walked up to the colony town hall, where the governor and some of the other colonists were waiting.

"Governor Hershel, this is Astrid," said Maxwell, making introductions.

"Captain Astrid, sir, my ships are ready to transport your goods to the nearest trade hub world," said Astrid.

The governor led Astrid to show her the warehouses, and Maxwell turned to Ava.

"So there going to be trouble between you two?" Maxwell asked her.

"Not if she doesn't start it," said Ava.

Ava walked off to watch over Astrid and her crew, and Maxwell was about to join them but then spotted Bethany walking by in yet another cute dress. She looked even more beautiful now that he had sampled what was under the dress.

"Good morning, your grace," she said nonchalantly.

"Good morning, Bethany," he said in the same tone.

She looked around and then giggled. Maxwell couldn't help grinning, and she blushed.

"So I really enjoyed last night" she said with a grin.

"Me too" he said back.

"Do you really have to leave today?, maybe you could just not go and we could do more of last night," she suggested with a hopeful smile.

It was a very tempting option indeed, but he had to say no.

"That sounds like a plan, but I can't." he said

"Ok," she said a little disappointedly.

"But I'm coming back, and when I do, we can stay in bed all day," he promised.