Page 45 of Volunteer 4711

My first officer bows and leaves.

I sit in front of my computer. This is the last thing I want for Volunteer 4711. I look at my reflection in the blank spaces as the government fleet closes in, and I consider all my options. I could take the fleet and attack. It could turn into a war and possibly a mutiny if we did not win immediately. I could return her to the farmers, but then she would only be scooped up by the other commander. So the only other option is to give her away. I consider this.Could I let her go?

I know in my mind it is the right thing to do. She is strong, and she would adapt.

But could I let her go to another male?

I reluctantly message the other commander. “You see the government fleet?” I say, stating the obvious.

“Yes,” he replies too enthusiastically because he knows why I have contacted him. “Commander, she will make me an excellent fifth wife.”

I look him in the eyes through the screen, still wondering if I can do this. The other commander fills the silence.

“The other Water woman was nice for a while, but then she became lazy and difficult like Water people can be. Your Water woman, though, she seems docile and will be both my valet and my wife.”

“She will not,” I hear myself say.

“What?” he asks, surprised.

“She will not be both. I will not give her over to you to be your slave and wife. She must be one or the other.”

“She will be my wife then,” he replies and adds, “sorry to have offended. I know she means a lot to you. Put her on a transport now. I will notify my crew to prepare for a wedding.”

I am about to give the word to my first officer to do it when he adds, “I am sure you will be excited as I know how sex-crazed Water people are. Without a husband, it must have been hell for her on your ship.”

“I have changed my mind,” I say. “I do not think Volunteer 4711, and you will be a good match after all. I am sorry to disappoint you.”

“We will not risk war with the government over her. I will take command of this fleet if you try,” he threatens.

“No, we will not. The fleet will turn around within the hour. You have my word,” I say and then sign off.

I call my first officer back in. “I have found another way. I will marry Volunteer 4711 myself.”

“You?”

“Yes, do you want to mutiny now? Please let me know because I am busy now. I realize I need to get married in less than an hour. If you cannot or will not perform the ceremony, I will find someone else to do it before the government fleet arrives.”

My first officer considers my proposal. “I am not sure why you are so attached to Volunteer 4711.”

“Do I have your and the crews’ backing on this?” I do not have time to list all of Volunteer 4711’s positive attributes.

My first officer considers my proposition for a few minutes, and I honestly do not know if he will agree. It is not only my reputation at stake but the whole fleet’s. Marrying a volunteer from an alien species is simply not done by a male of my class, even though I no longer hold the superior social rank I once did.

“Volunteer 4711 has shown great devotion to our people and this crew by learning our language and customs. She is not a traditional beautiful by any of our standards, and I do not know what kind of children she could provide for you, but if you choose her as your wife, I will not lead a mutiny against you and will remain loyal to you both.”

“Thank you,” I say, relieved, although my voice only reflects confidence. “Now, I must go and ask her to marry me. We do not have much time before the government fleet arrives, and it must all be legal.”

“Yes, Commander. I will make the necessary preparations and meet you in the conference room.”

I walk out onto the bridge with my first officer. He takes his post, but I leave to find Volunteer 4711. It is the middle of the day, so I assume she is in her quarters. I use my handheld communicator to buzz her and tell her to meet me in my quarters.

By the time I arrive, she is already there waiting for me.

I feel nervous suddenly, which is ridiculous because she only has three options.

“There’s been a change in plan,” I begin. “The Home Planet government wants to take you back to your ‘rightful’ place on the farm. They have sent their strongest fleet to get you. I cannot legally prove that you were taken illegally to the farm, as too many people have been bribed to say that they never saw you at the auction. Nor can I go to war for you, or I will have a mutiny.”

“I have to go?” she asks, her brown eyes glassy with tears she is bravely trying to hold back.

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