Bram glanced down at the hand, then back up to Valon. He wasn't used to so much formality. Perhaps a snarky salute was all he got on a good day, though his men all respected and followed him willingly. The captain didn't like formal very much at all. No, that just wouldn't do.

The cyborg took the others hand and pulled him in for a hug. He was delicate not to touch too much with his metal arm, but enough to get the point across. A lot had happened since they came into his quarters. Strangely, he felt better. There wasn't an animosity towards Valon. THere was something else that he couldn't quite put his finger on, but that didn't matter. It felt good to be close to the half-Katrigian again.

"I think we're past handshakes, love," he said against his new crew member's shoulder, then leaned back to give him a reassuring smile. "Don't.. tell anyone else I hugged you, though."

Valon pulled the Bram tigher into the hug. He felt a burst of joy race through his system, it was unexpected and wonderful. Feeling better than he had in the last 12 years he lat a smile spread over his face. He buried it into Bram’s shoulder hiding it.

Another spark ignited in his system at the word luv. Valon patted Bram’s shoulder returning the smile. “Don’t worry…I wounldn’t want it getting around that the great Captain Amberden had a soft spot for a slave.” He moved back at the sound of a knock on the door.

A head popped in looking at the captain and Valon. The half-kaftrigain let his emotionaless mask fall over his face again. The sailor entered the room, bundles in his hands, “We looked all over the ship these are the tallest cloths we could find. Don’t know if they’ll fit him,” He turned to Valon, “You’re a right tall bastard.”

Valon nearly smiled, instead reaching for the parcels. He opened them up to find a large shirt and some trousers…better than nothing. Without another word he stripped of his space suit and pulled on the pants. He threw the shirt over his head, then noticed that the sailor was gazing fondly at him.

The sailor smiled at the captain. “I can see why you keep him around.”

Valon ignored the other man, locking eyes with Bram. “What are my duties, sir?”

"Really, you are so subtle," Bram sighed and shook his head at the oogling sailor, though a smile was on his face. He didn't expect anything less of them and they never disappointed. "Like first mate, Lei, however, he isn't for looking at."

He smiled more so at the once again military-like fashion that Valon held himself, even after being a slave for who knows how long. It would be.. interesting to see how well he fared with the rest of the crew. They weren't bloodthirsty and terrified like Valon would be used to. No, Bram supposed they were nothing like the Katrigian had ever worked with. Especially Horris..

"Have yourself escorted to meet Lei. She'll assign you your duties," he turned to his desk, getting a sour look at the mess the two of them had made," And see me later tonight." Why on earth he said that, he hadn't a clue. It sounded good at the time. Bram tapped the com on the wall," My dear, you have a new crew member to attend to. I'm sending him up."

There was a long, verbal sigh that replied.

"On your way, then," he waved over his shoulder at the two.

Up on deck, Lei had just managed to flee the crew to safety. She wasn't exactly in the mood and the fact that she had no clue what was going on only made her more agitated. The captain told her everything, after all. Being in the dark was infuriating. It was a damn good thing he was cute.

Beside her, a giant, ghastly beast of a monster sat, tapping buttons on the control panel and grumbling to itself between its large, gnashing teeth. That.. would be Horris.

“Alright…I’ll see you tonight captain.” Valon turned and headed out the door, followed by the crew member. The younger sailor followed closely behind the taller man, his eye glued on the half-kaftrigain’s butt. Valon rolled his eyes at the younger man…he stoped when he didn’t know where to head next.

“Aren’t you supposed to be showing me where to go…not looking at my ass.” The former captain let a growl sink into his voice. The younger sailor jumped, coming back to the present.

“Sorry, It’s hard not to stare.” He gave Valon a seductive smile. If Valon had been a different man he might have taken the man up on what that smile promised. Instead the former captain glared at the man, growling and his eyes narrowing. The young man threw his hands up, “Alright, sorry! Come on!”

Valon followed and stopped a they entered the deck. The younger sailor approached the Drael, Valon thought they were called. “Mam…May I present our new crew member. What your name again?” He turned asking the Half-Kaftrigain. It took the former captain a moment to look at who was speaking. His eyes were locked on the large mass of a creature, just behind, Lei.

He could feel a growl bubbling in his chest at the sight of the other creature. Valon felt threatened, by the mere sight of the creature. He coughed finally looking at the Drael and the young sailor. “Ehem…I’m Valon. Pleased to make your acquaintance mam.” He bowed slightly.

Lei twirled around in her chair gracefully, her large eyes peering at the new crew member with a steady gaze. She did her best to hide her annoyance, but by the way she tapped her fingers on the arm rest, her nerves were apparent. "So, you're the one we went through all this trouble for."

Rolling her tongue against the inside of her cheek, she stood with a snap and made a little bow. Her thin body was swift, almost pixyish, but elegant. Motioning to the sailor, she shooed him on," Thank you. Go back to your post."

Attention returned to the Half-Kaftrigain, she looked him over slowly. It wasn't a desire look in her eyes, but one of scrutiny. Sizing him up before speaking again," I see you have a problem with my husband, Horris." She nodded in his direction. The monster turned slowly in his seat, grumbling and looking to the new crew member with an almost pitch black stare. What little whites were in his eyes were barely visible. His lips spread out further, making him look more menacing.

"He's smiling," she commented warmly," And he is in third command so I would suggest you do your best not to growl at him. Now, tell me, what experience do you have?"

Her husband!? Good Goddess! Valon immediately quit growling at the larger man…creature…thing. “My apologies mam, sir.” He tried to smile back at the pair, but couldn’t. He was still studying the 3rd in command. He was brought back by Lei’s words.

“I was the Captain of the Alliance Vessel The Maltese. I had 400 in my crew. I held the position for six years.” He stood ramrod strait, his hands in the small of his back. The military training would have never been beat out of him. “I worked my way up through the rank’s previously, mam. I am willing to start at the bottom if you and Captain Amberden deam it so.”

The other members of the cure were slowly turning one by one to look at the new crew member. More than a few were giving him stares of lust and longing. Valon didn’t move, but was growing uncomfortable under the eyes.

Lei pursed her lips at him as he rattled off his qualifications. What was going on through her head, though, no one would know but her. Before she spoke to him next, she leaned to look around him and frowned at the other crew members," Really? Like none of you have seen a pretty-looking man before. He's not for looking, but for working, like you. Now get off it and get back to work!"

Leaning back in, she huffed and her nostrils flared out. She was having a terrible day. Her saucer eyes snapped back to Valon," My apologies. They aren't the most polite but they're harmless enough I assure you. Now, all of your experience is fine and dandy, but this isn't the military and we do things a bit differently around here."

Behind her Horris had shuffled around a bit, but what he had been doing was blocked by his girth. Eventually, he turned around, holding a cup of tea. With a low rumble in his throat, he moved to Lei's side and held the cup out beside her. She smiled warmly at him and took the cup and saucer. After taking a little sip she kissed the beast's cheek," Thank you my love."

"Now," she sipped, her body obviously relaxing from the warmth of the drink," I'm sure you'll be very useful, but for right now you need to prove that you'll mix well with the rest of our crew. Whatever whimsical thoughts our dear Captain has in his head aside, you can't stay if you're going to cause problems. We have enough illegal betting squabbles as it is. You'll be assisting with cargo for now, understood? Do you have any questions?"

Valon watched with interest as the thin woman got her crew back in line. She would be a fine commander to work under. He nodded politely as she rattled on about the ship not being part of the military, but mostly his eyes were riveted on the beast named Horris.

Watching the large creature move and perform a delicate task like making tea amazed the former captain. He needed to know more about the 3rd in command.

Valon turned his attention back to Lei as she spoke. In the cargo bay, not bad…he was expecting to be on panel work or even deep below deck with the engineers. “That would be more than fine mam.”

Her comment about his relationship…or lack there of with Bram upset him a little bit. Valon was there to work and he took his work very seriously. “There will be no problems between me and the captain. I do need to ask though mam, where will I be sleeping? Also are there any ship’s rules that I might not be aware of?”

One of the first mate's eyebrows twitched up slightly. Having large eyes were a wonderful thing to pick up on body language.. and she saw just the slightest discomfort at his mention of the captain. Quietly to herself she wondered about something, but sipped her tea and decided to keep it to herself for now. She still had to size the man's worth up after all.

"Well, if you're expecting a suite with a guest bath, you'll be disappointed. There are crew dorms below, each room as a little common area and two separate rooms with two beds. I'll have Horris see to finding you a sleeping area. Seeing your size.." she trailed off for a moment," we way have to make different arrangements."

"He could sleep with the captain!" someone yelled further along deck. The crew laughed as she rolled her eyes and groaned, but the smallest hint of a smile touched the corner of her lips.

"While the captain does like to share, I think he'll need his own bed thank you!" she shouted back. "As for rules, I would hope most of them would be common sense to you." Lei handed her empty cup to Horris, who tromped back to where he was sitting before. "We're.. like a family, you see. We share, we laugh, and we watch each others backs. No one gets special treatment. Your rank is your worth and your heart. Not just your talent, Mr. Valon. We don't judge on appearances, like certain people."

With that she returned to her seat. "You see the men down there sortin' everything out. So, go help," she waved him on," have fun and quit taking everything so damn seriously. It's nerve wracking. I'm sure the Captain will be coming out shortly, so try not to get too distracted, right?" With a knowing arch of her brow, she twirled her chair back around and resumed her duties.

Valon glared slightly when sleeping with the captain was mentioned. He wanted Bram and he cared deeply about the other man, but he would not let that effect how he was looked on by the other crew members.

Sharing a room with another crew member would not be pleasant either. The half-kaftrigian still had violent nightmares about his past, ones that could wake the dead some nights. He let it slide, Valon decided he’d have to work something out if it came to that.

The idea of family appealed and scared the half-breed. He had been alone for so long…sighing he nodded agreeing with the second in command. His heart was so tired so broken he wasn’t sure how well he would do.

“Thank you for your help mam. Ill get right on it.” Valon gave her another tiny bow then headed for the loaing bay. He watched the others at their task for a moment then dove into the work to help. His strength and years of hard labor were paying off as he could lift more than his share of the weight, making their task go faster.

He was having a hard time trying to talk to the other men. The subtleties of conversation were lost to him, an he didn’t have any idea what to say.

Bram had wandered from his quarters some time ago. Leaning over the railing, he watched his friend intently working at his task. Eventually, Lei leaned beside him and looked down. She blue her pink hair away from her face and sighed," He's a little awkward. Do you think he'll be alright?"

"He'll be fine. Just give him some time," the captain replied.
"In enough time he could find himself being throttled in his sleep, if he makes problems."
"He won't make problems.. I don't think," Bram mused on that a moment, an amused expression on his face," No, he'll be fine. I'll watch out for him."
"Playing favorites, are we? You know that might not be good.."

Bram frowned at her and stood straight, feeling a little insulted again. What was with everyone making him feel that way all of a sudden?

"I never questioned your relationship with Horris, I'll remind you of that," he grumbled, then trotted down to the deck. He was greeted by shouting, swearing, and whatever else the men and women who worked for him could think of. The Lord's bounty was a good one and they were more than happy with themselves and their captain at the moment. The cyborg crossed to Valon and placed a hand on his shoulder with a smile, then waved the rest off," Go to bed, you bunch of lazy asses!"

Bram looked up at Valon with a grin," I think I have some things for you that you might be more comfortable in, if you'll join me like I requested?"

Valon looked up when the shouting had started up. The task he was assigned had been purely physical, but the work kept him from thinking and remembering to much. Watching Bram out of the corner of his eyes noting how happy the man looked as well as the smiling faces of the crew.

He set the box down when Bram’s hand landed on his shoulder. “Sorry Captain…I didn’t realized how late it was.”

Following the man back to his quarters he noticed the looks that he was getting from the other members of the crew as he walked with the captain. More than a few of the men were looking at him with a note of jealousy. He turned his eyes away from the glaring faces and focused on following Bram .

Valon was looking forward to getting into some better clothing and having a full meal. He hadn’t eaten since that morning and that was thin gruel. His stomach made his need known as they entered the Captain’s Cabin.

Bram blinked, then laughed a bit," Hungry? I thought so. Sorry I didn't think of that earlier. Please, help yourself," he motioned to his desk. On top of it was a small feast. It wasn't a secret that Bram ate far more than a normal man should. Part of it was from the need to generate more energy for his synthetic parts, the other was that he just really liked food.

He slipped into his bedroom for a moment, then came out with a set of clothes. They were a pair of boots, pants, and shirt. Simple, but what else did one need? They were made of better fabric that wouldn't rip as easily and more well fitted, at least. "My men have good hearts, but I swear some of them couldn't find their way out of a paper sack. These should be a bit more comfortable. I knew we had bigger clothes around somewhere."

The captain set them on the back of a chair, then set down to share his meal.

"I.. really am sorry for-- yelling earlier. It really is good to see you. I'm just confused, is all," he smiled sadly. It was odd, that even now he could open up to Valon so easily. He knew he wasn't the man he was before, but that didn't change the cyborg's memories of what he had been. It was silly and childish, he thought, but comforting in a strange way.

Valon’s mouth fell open at the sight of the banquet laid out in front of him. He hadn’t seen that amount of food since before he was a slave. Not wanting to be rude, no matter how much his stomach grumbled, Valon waited until Bram had returned from the bedroom.

“Thank you, Bram.” Valon set the clothing on one of the chairs in the room. Truthfully he didn’t mind if his clothing didn’t fit perfectly, but a strange sensation raced through his belly at the thought that Bram cared enough to make sure they did.

After he had set the clothing down, the former captain moved across the room at a rapid pace sitting and loading up his plate with a mound of food. Shoveling the food into his mouth Valon made quit work of his meal. He was so hungry and there was so much…He looked over at the other man as he spoke.

“You don’t have to apologize. We both said things today that we didn’t mean.” Valon stopped eating, realizing how much he had consumed and suddenly nervous. He started to rub the scar on his palm again. “You’ve really done well Bram. You’ve got a great crew and…Thank you for saving me.”

He began to eat again slowly enjoying each bite instead of inhaling them. Each bite was a burst of pleasure in his mouth, he moaned slightly. He looked over at the other man, slightly blushing. “It’s really good.”

Bram smiled at first, then the smile slowly began opening into an awed expression as he watched Valon shovel down food like a vacuum cleaner. He didn't take a bite himself, but simply stared and wondered how much of this he was going to actually eat. The captain thought he ate a lot..

He laughed following the former captain's apology and took a drink of his wine," No need, no need. Enjoy yourself, my lov-- Valon." The cyborg needed to remind himself that Valon was, indeed, not his love. Though each time the other ran a finger along their scar, his own would warm pleasantly - making his gut flutter. He still had no clue why. It reminded him..

Having his own fill, Bram leaned back in his seat and placed his hand behind his head. After taking a full, long drink to finish off his glass and he was sure that Valon was going to stop eating like a baboon, he spoke again.

"Valon, do you-- Is--," he sat up straight," Do you ever get a strange feeling for no reason? Like, around me?" He asked in the most delicate way possible, like a probe to see if his friend would think he was crazy or coming on to him. However, once Valon left him alone in his quarters, Bram had pondered over the sensations like a scientist who was so close to the discovery of the century. It was driving him insane. There was no explanation for it other than silly childhood memories welling up, but he.. he couldn't believe that. There was something different about the way he was feeling.

Valon watched his friend as he asked a question that had probably been bothering the cyborg since the former slave first arrived. The half breed swallowed his last bite, his face growing dim. He thought as he rubbed over the scar on his palm. The action brought him immediate relief and calmed his nerves.

He hadn’t been feeling any different since he was rescued by Bram. Well, not totally different. What had been a caous of swirling a emotions and feelings since Bram had left him on the station was starting to gain focus. Valon felt more centered and peaceful than he had in years.

Also he noticed that when he rubbed the childhood scar that something happened to Bram, like he could feel it.

But should he tell Bram all of this. The other man was having a hared enough time with him being here. “No…nothing than what I expected. The confusion, worry and pain of living again.”

Valon started to play with the little bit of food on his plate. He looked up at the cyborg, “Why Bram? Is something wrong?”

Listening to what Valon was saying made more sense in his mind. Maybe he was just nervous and a little shaken from seeing his friend after so long. That would be more logical, of course, but if Bram had followed logic around all these years he wouldn't have made the discoveries he'd had across the universe. There were no rules in life. They were constantly being broken.

The captain kept his mouth shut anyway. Sitting back in his chair, he pushed his plate forward and shook his head. His voice sounded a little depressed, but he tried to mask it be acting like he was tired," No, it's nothing. I think I just need some sleep."

"Speaking of that.. where are you sleeping?" he asked, suddenly uncomfortable with the idea of letting Valon sleep with the rest of the crew. He-- Wow, he really was giving him special attention wasn't he?

Valon looked at his friend curiously, there was obviously more the other man wanted to know, but the cyborg wasn’t speaking. He gave his old friend a knowing look, but let it go.

He was surprised to hear the other man ask him where he was sleeping. “Lei said that she would set me up in a cabin with another crew member. Why do you ask?” He didn’t want special attention from the captain, he was already looked at differently by the other men…being favored by the Captain wouldn’t help…even if his dreams were violent and horrible.

Bram drummed his fingers on his arm rest. After his chat with Lei earlier, he wondered if it was a good idea to let Valon mingle with the crew like that or if he should keep him closer? Protect him in a way. This was a different world. It wasn't as ruthless as the slave trade, but it could be more cunning and deceitful..

"Well, I mean, it is your first night free of slavery so I thought you might like one good nights rest where you could be more comfortable?" he offered, testing the waters a bit. Lei would be furious with him of course. He always respected what she had to say, but he was like a toddler who enjoyed prodding her now and then to see what he could get away with. She kept him in line well enough.

"Or until, you know, we can find a larger bed for you. I mean, mine is pretty big.." he trailed off, tracing his finger around a swirl in his armrest. The cyborg glanced away, then slowly let his eyes settle on Valon's -- a playful hint sparkling in them. Maker, he was terrible, wasn't he?

Watching his friend Valon listened to the captain’s proposition. It was tempting. He hadn’t slept on a real bed in six years. It would be lovely to stretch out and really sleep. He wasn’t likely to get much sleep below in another room on a cramped bed.

Not that he was going to get a decents night sleep anyways, the nightmares, never allowed for that. “I don’t want the others to think that you favor me…though it sounds wonderful.”

“Alright…Would you be sleeping in it with me?” The half-kaftrigian wagged his eyebrows playfully.

"I can favor you all I damn well want, it's my ship isn't it?" he smiled. Though he didn't think it was appropriate to boast to Valon, the crew new fully well that if someone was willing and that Bram was interested, he didn't have qualms with taking them to his bed. Surprisingly what he had in mind for Valon wasn't so libido driven. Mostly. His crew might give Valon some shit about the Captain fancying him, but hopefully that would be it.

"And of course I'm not going to give up my bed to a cargo man, are you not right in the head?" he laughed and stood to walk to the com.

"My dearest, sweetest, most beatiful first mate?" he called over it. There was a long pause before he was answered.
"What did you do?"
"Make arrangements for Mr. Valon for tomorrow, he's going to be staying with me tonight."
"Really? Really, Bram? Didn't we just talk about this? He isn't some schmuck you picked up as a hitchhiker. He's part of the crew. Remember? Because I completely remember discussing this."

In the background, Horris could be heard grumbling something before Lei continued," And Horris brings up a good point. You two were at each others throats a few hours ago!"

"Think of it as a family quarrel. We got everything out in the open and now we feel better. Isn't that just wonderful, love?"
"Fine. Fine. Don't listen to me. I'm just crazy. Horris and I are going to bed, we're putting the ship on Autopilot, captain."
"Well done darling! And I'll remind you not to play favorites with our 3rd in command now," he finished, turning off the com and cutting off Lei right before she could spat back a retort. She was good at those and Bram didn't feel like being outdone.

"So!" he twirled around to face his old friend with a dumb grin," Looks like that's settled. When you're done eating, feel free to join me in the cabin." Bram twitched an eyebrow up suggestively, then moved to the bedroom.

If Valon was behind him immediately or not, he didn't care. He honestly was tired and well, kind of excited to have a sleep over of sorts with the half-kaftrigian.. They could talk privately and it would be like they were teenagers again. Sort of. Only with more body hair and some really messed up personal experiences to add in to the mix. The cyborg peeled off his clothes down to his black boxer-briefed, then flopped on to the bed with a moan of contentment - head face first into the pillow.

“You are captain.” Valon crossed his arms over his chest the ill fitting shirt stretching tight over the muscles in his arms. He was uncomfortable with the situation, Bram showing him more attention and kindness could destroy any hope of the half-Kaftrigian making any friends…or being taken for anything other than the captain’s whore….No, he wouldn’t let it come to that.

He was drawn from his thoughts as the pirate captain but the call through the com. Valon suppressed a chuckle as he listened to Bram “discuss” the situation with his first officer. Valon had found the Drael to be an interesting woman…she was very beautiful, obviously not shallow. Her husband was of a race that he had never seen and that by most standards was monsterous.

From what the former Alliance Captain Horris was only monstrous in appearance. Valon made a note to get to know the other man better.

Bram surprised him jarring the man from his thoughts. “Alright…I’ll be right behind you.”

Valon still nervous, poured himself a large glass of wine and emptied the goblet twice, before heading after his childhood friend. He prayed to the goddess that the wine would let him sleep deeply and keep the memories at bay.

He barely had time to suppress a moan at the sight of Bram stretched over the comforter, his pert buttocks encased in tight boxers. Why did the man do these things to him…By all accounts he should want nothing more than to be celibate for the rest of his life. Valon, crossed his arms over his chest again.
“Um…do you have an extra cot for me…or-?”

Bram made another noise into the pillow, then rolled on to his back to answer," No.. What? After so many years you're too good to share a bed with me? It wouldn't be the first time." The captain grinned, knowing full well when they had they were just kids.

"If you're that worried, I promise I won't touch you inappropriately in your sleep. That honestly isn't my intention," he added, patting the large amount of empty bed to his left. I just want to be close to you, he thought to himself. It amazed him, after all these years and time for forget, the moment Valon was in his presence he wanted to be near him.

"Unless.. that's what you really want, then I'd be happy to oblige," he laughed a bit, but really only half joking. "I only take willing participants, however. If you feel obligated, then the answer is no."

The cyborg filled open the covers and slipped himself underneath, leaving room for Valon to join him if he chose. A nagging feeling in his chest worried him that the former slave would say no..

“I- Alright.” Valon was more than worried to sleep beside the other man. He had seen what his nightmares could make him do. Taking off hid shirt, but leaving the shorter pants on the half-kaftrigian approached the bed.

“I’m not to good to share the same bed as you. I-I was never better than you Bram, never…” He sat on the edge of the bed, his back to the pirate captain. Sighing Valon slipped under the sheets with a light groan of pleasure the bed was more than soft…it was like sleeping on a cloud.

The bed clothing felt wonderful against his scars, soothing instead of the regular itch that he felt from other cloth. Valon immediately started to purr belaying his comfort at the current situation. When he realized what he was doing he stopped putting a hand over his mouth. “Sorry….I forgot that I do that…it’s been a while.”

Bram rolled on to his side to face the half-kaftrigian and smiled, resting his chin in the palm on his hand as he propped his elbow up. He could see the contentness on the other's face and the comfort he felt in the bed. The captain wondered how long it had been since his friend had gotten any proper sleep at all..

"I missed hearing your purr," he said absent-mindedly, then pulled the covers a bit higher up the other man's body," You don't need to be embarrassed or ashamed around me, love. Maker knows I'm not perfect. I'm just glad that you're free and here."

The cyborg rolled on to his back and sighed contently, staring up at the ceiling," This was the last place I thought I'd find you, honestly.." He tilted his head to the side, reaching out with his flesh hand a bit to touch the other man's side with a finger tip," You're safe now, alright?"