Dealing With the Pieces & The Morning After

Dealing With The Pieces

Month 11 Day 1

0505 Hours

Ivy Wilson

Ivy lifted Bugalu’s arm off her torso and started to climb out of bed. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked sleepily, trying to pull her back.

“Oh, no,” she half joked, catching his reaching arm and returning it to the mattress beside him. “I want to get to my own room without being seen.”

He opened his eyes and sat up to watch her dress in the 10% setting of his bedroom lights. “That’s never been a big concern of yours before,” he stated.

“No,” she admitted. “But I saw the captain chew a few officers out last night. And I decided one of my New Year’s resolutions was to be more discrete.”

“You are the soul of discretion,” he told her.

“Maybe, when it comes to other people’s affairs,” she returned. “But everybody knows my sex life nearly as well as I do. And compared to what’s known about the sex life of... oh, MacGregor... or Smythe. Suddenly, I don’t seem very discrete anymore.”

“So you’re leaving early.”

“I appreciate your understanding,” she said with a smile. She bit her lip and went on. “You know, it wouldn’t hurt you to be more discrete. You are close to the possibility of promotion.”

He was quiet as she fastened her dress uniform pants. “You’re probably right,” he finally agreed softly.

“I don’t propose you give up dating, but you could tone down the public displays of affection when you are on a date.”

He frowned thoughtfully at that suggestion and changed the subject. “When can I see you again?”

She grinned as she smoothed her hair with her hands. “I’m not sure. I’m pretty busy the next couple of weeks. But I imagine you are, too.”

“Well, we’ll see.” He smiled. “Ivy, you know I really enjoy spending time with you.”

“And being with you is fun,” she agreed. Having gotten mostly dressed, she gathered the rest of her uniform and leaned down to give him a quick kiss. “Go back to sleep. You could still get another hour or 2 of rest.”

“Or you could climb back in with me,” he suggested.

She chuckled. “You’re hopeless.” She turned and left. I was kind of hoping I might be more than ‘enjoyable’. No, if I’m going for a promotion, that will probably mean a transfer, so I’d best not get too involved with anyone. Cool your jets, Ivy. After all, LaPour was a complete bust.

She realized someone was coming towards her, around the curve of the corridor, and did her best to stare straight ahead, trying not to look at him as they passed. He looked as tousled and disheveled as she no doubt did, but like her, he ignored her. Smythe! She refused to look back to double-check. No one would ever hear from her that she’d seen him headed home after a night of sex. But it didn’t keep her from wondering... Who in space has he been with?

The Morning After

Month 11 Day 1

0706 Hours

Della Harris

Della turned from pulling a uniform from her closet as Mac entered their bedroom from the living room. Mac still wore her red dress from the night before, but it was limp, wrinkled and bits of... stuff clung to it, just like her hair. Her makeup was an absolute mess. “Where have you been?” Della demanded. “I could see your bed hadn’t been slept in, and I’ve been worried sick—” She stopped as Mac turned her head and glared at her. “Oh, right. None of my business. Sorry.”

Mac raised the bottle she held and finished its contents, then staggered across the room to toss the bottle in the disposal. Another one? Space, that must be the 12th since shore leave. That I know of. We’re only allowed 3. Where does she get them?

Mac sat down heavily on her bed and kicked her heels off. “I’ve been in the arboretum.” Her speech was pretty slurred. She fell back across her bed.

So, more than 12, because she doesn’t get that drunk on just one bottle. 13? 14? Hard to tell. Now Della could tell that the stuff clinging to Mac was various bits of plant material. “You may have ruined that dress,” she stated softly.

“Probably,” Mac agreed, and laboriously climbed back off the bed. Once standing, she silently asked Della to unfasten the back of her dress, then she let it fall to the floor and crawled back onto the bed.

She must have had a night of it. Whether it was good or bad, though, I can’t tell. “You were very popular last night,” Della remarked. But there were only a select few she would agree to dance with. “Did you have fun?”

The redhead actually shuddered. “Mixed bag,” she groaned. “Followed by an even worse mixed bag.” She opened her eyes slightly to consider her roommate. “Don’t let me keep you from getting dressed, Della.”

“Oh, right.” She returned to the process that had been interrupted. I can take a hint. She doesn’t want to talk. She’s either super discrete, or had a rotten time.

“Della, what should I wear for a date?”

“What?” Della turned in surprise, her uniform tunic only half fastened. She hurried over and bounced down onto the edge of Mac’s bed. “Who with?”

Mac frowned and grabbed her pillow, her face going a little green. “Tall Bear.”

“Bear! Good choice!”

“I hope so,” Mac moaned, and then muttered, “I’d rather not go out at all.”

She’d rather not go out with Bear? What kind of super man does she think she’s waiting for? “Then why are you?”

“Bugs thinks it’s a good idea,” Mac stated and waved the question away. “It’s complicated. Just tell what I should wear.”

“That depends. What kind of date is it?”

“A friendly date.”

Confused, Della stood up and continued dressing. “No, I meant, what are the planned activities for the date?”

“Oh, dinner and a movie.”

A friendly date. With Tall Bear. I suppose that means she isn’t trying to dazzle him with her beauty. Not that she has to try. “Well, any nice blouse and skirt, I suppose.” Does she own any skirts? I was so surprised when she pulled out that dress last night. “Or slacks. A nice blouse and slacks.”

“You mean, like I normally wear when I’m off duty?” Her voice was soft, like she was drifting off.

“Yeah, that should be fine.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Sure, Mac. What are roomies for?” She glanced at the redhead, and realized she was sound asleep. Then her eyes fell on the clock on Mac’s bedside table. Yikes, I’d better get moving. She took a brush to her hair, applied a minimum of makeup, told the computer to lock the quarters behind her, and left. I hope Mac’s starting to date won’t complicate Smythe’s project he’s got me working on. Well, it shouldn’t. There’s no way Tall Bear would act anything like Adams and Evans have been.

Revelation & Sweet Good-bye

Revelation

Month 11 Day 1

0222 Hours

Smythe

He was alone in a vast field of stars, and completely at peace. Elsewhere, he knew, people were having intrigues and assignations, but that wasn’t his style. He had enough to keep busy, with his duties, his technical magazines and writing the occasional technical article. That was all he needed.

He thought about that, and frowned. It used to be all he needed. Lately, he had been feeling... a touch lonely. He still had friends, although MacGreg, sometimes, was too busy with Colleen to--

He gasped as a stab of yearning went through him. That was what he was missing. A woman. Not just any woman, but Colleen.

He frowned even more. He couldn’t have her. He turned for a fresh view of the stars, trying to put those thoughts behind him, and--

She was there, hardly a step away, looking as beautiful and radiant as he’d ever seen her. Without thinking, he reached out, and she was in his arms, her mouth, sweet and inviting, was pressed to his. He moved to lay half atop her and explored her body with his hand as his tongue explored her mouth. His passion rising, he slid on top of her, and then into her, but he forced himself to keep a slow pace, wanting her to enjoy it fully. She raised her legs and wrapped them around his waist, letting him penetrate even deeper. He quickened his pace as he approached the end, and was gratified to feel her entire body stiffen as she reached climax, which triggered his own final satisfaction. He gave her a last sweet kiss, unwilling to let go of her so soon. “I need you, Colleen,” he whispered in her ear.

“What?”

She looked up at him in contented bliss and... long red curls morphed into short blond curls as green eyes became hazel. “Did you say Colleen?” Beth asked.

Oh, blast, I did it again. Her legs—still wrapped around him—loosened. I can’t blame her. I’d be pretty mad if she called me MacGreg in the middle of sex. He opened his mouth to say something, but couldn’t figure out what.

“No wonder you’ve been irritable,” Beth observed. “What about her, is she interested?”

“Doesn’t matter,” he mumbled. “I’m sorry. It was unforgivable. Please forget it.”

“If that’s what you want,” she agreed. With a slight groan, she lowered her legs from around him, and he moved over to take his position beside her again.

He was surprised when she snuggled against him. I know I told her to forget it, but they never do. Playing a game, I suppose. She’ll mention it the next time I—

“Okay,” she stated, breaking the silence. Here it comes. “I was right, you did manage a 2nd time. Now, I certainly didn’t have any complaints about the first time, but this time was fantastic!”

He grunted. Not a word about it. Yet. It will come eventually. “I’ve never had a woman wrap her legs around my waist,” he returned.

She snorted lightly. “Don’t remember where I picked that up. Couldn’t do it anymore if I didn’t do yoga. But it is definitely worth it.”

“Yes, it is,” he agreed, beginning to drift back to sleep.

“Sleep. Good idea,” she murmured and then added, “At least we won’t have to listen to the bridge tonight.”

His eyes opened in the near-darkness. “What do you mean, listen to the bridge?”

She hesitated. “Do you know what happens on the bridge on midnight shift?”

How do I answer that? “I have... recently gotten a vague idea,” he admitted. “I’ve got to do something about it.”

“You wouldn’t be so calm about it if you actually got to hear it from time to time.”

“Hear it?”

“Yeah, M--Uh, she opens a channel from the bridge to... some random place, and just lets Adams’ and Evans’ harassing irritate someone besides her. Just an hour at a time, so no one loses a lot of sleep at any one time. Apparently, she doesn’t ship it to any senior officers, which I think is a mistake. Still, I suppose she has her reasons.” She giggled slightly. “And I hear those 2 can’t figure out why they can hardly get a date any more. But there’s only a couple women who will have anything to do with either one of them.”

“I have to do something about those two,” he repeated.

Beth ran a hand down his chest. “But not tonight,” she told him. “You promised to stay until 5. Anyway, Mac’s not on duty tonight.”

“She’s not?” The communications schedule went through his mind, and he realized she wasn’t. Then we could have--No! She’s likely with one of them. Well, not MacGreg, because he came here... So she’s with Bugalu. Just as well. She’s not for me. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and settled down for some sleep.

Sweet Good-bye

Month 11, Day 1

0433 Hours

Anna Humara

Anna tied her robe closed and turned Drake to face her before her bedroom door opened to let him leave. “I wish you didn’t have to leave,” she pouted, and stood on tiptoe to give him a kiss.

He gave her rear a good squeeze as he held her close. “You’re making it hard,” he told her when they finally pulled apart. “And if you keep this up, you’ll make me hard again. But I already got talked to last night for not being as discrete as the captain expects me to be.”

“Yes, she did seem unhappy with you,” she agreed, and sighed. “Okay, I understand. I just... I get lonely, sometimes.”

He gave her a gentle smile. “We all get lonely sometimes,” he stated, and gave her rump a light swat as he turned away.

“Drake?”

He stopped as the door started to open, and it closed again. “What, Anna?”

She hesitated. What if he takes it the wrong way, gets angry? Well, better to learn about it now, and not get tangled up in a relationship I don’t actually want. She swallowed and managed to say, “I’m not looking for monogamy.”

An amalgamation of emotions crossed his face, leaving him looking serious. “Anna, I’ve tried that once before. It didn’t turn out well for her, and, well, not well for me, either. I’m not ready to try it again.”

I’d heard he was married, once. “Good. Just wanted to make sure we understood each other.”

He smiled again, said, “See ya later.” This time she let him leave.

Entanglement 2

Month 10 Day 31

2314 Hours

Smythe

A few minutes after leaving the observatory, Smitty walked around a corner and found himself holding a female. Not again. If this is Colleen, then I’ll know I’ve already gone crazy. But it wasn’t Colleen. It wasn’t even the nameless blond nurse, although it was a nurse. “Beth,” He breathed in relief.

“I’m sorry, Smythe, I didn’t hear you coming,” Beth Temple told him. “Guess I was in my own little world.”

“Me, too,” he agreed. I should let go of her. Not sure I can make myself do it. “Maybe you should have looked me up on shore leave.”  She had said that, once upon a time. “Beth,” he croaked.

Hazel eyes studied him carefully. “If you go back around that corner, we’ll be at my quarters,” she said quietly. He felt frozen as the level-headed officer fought with the woman-hungry man that was also him. “I could use some company tonight,” she stated simply. “I think you could, too.”

The man won, or maybe the officer’s sense of morality was assuaged by her obvious willingness. He nodded curtly and loosened his grip, allowed her to precede him back around the corner to enter her quarters.

The light in her quarters only came up to 10%, rather like candlelight, or moonlight, but it suited his mood, so he certainly didn’t complain. As soon as they reached the bedroom, he pulled her close and kissed her hungrily. She seemed as eager as he was. Almost before he knew it, they were sprawled on her bed and her fingernails were digging into his buttocks, urging him to a quick finish.

Afterwards, he tried not to rest his entire weight on her as he tried to regain his breath. His lower half felt chilled as sweat began to evaporate, but his uniform top kept his upper body overly warm. Probably the same for her.

“That was good,” Beth murmured, her hands sliding up under his uniform.

“No need for flattery,” he told her. “It was too fast, I know. I needed it too badly.”

“You underestimate yourself,” she told him. “Anyway, I needed it pretty badly myself.”

He grunted, remembering her eagerness. “Maybe so,” he allowed. “That doesn’t make my performance good.”

She giggled, and her arms pulled him even closer. “Look, I don’t have any complaints about your performance. But if you want, we could do it again.”

That’s an idea. You’re daft, Smitty. He sighed and climbed off her to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’m hardly ever able to go a 2nd time.” He eyed the pieces of clothing scattered around the bedroom, but he didn’t feel like getting dressed.

“You’re thinking of leaving,” she stated, her fingers playing with his thigh.

“I should,” he stated. But I don’t want to. Not another night in a cold, lonely bed.

Beth sat up and finished undressing, threw the rest of her clothes on the floor. “I wish you wouldn’t,” she told him, and pulled his face around for a soft kiss. “Based on past experience, it might take a while to get you here again.”

He didn’t answer, just continued to sit where he was. Her fingers began to unfasten his uniform jacket. When she got it open, he finished undressing and settled back into bed with her, their arms wrapped around each other. “I can’t stay all night,” he stated. “I don’t want to get caught by the breakfast crowd, and me still in my dress uniform.” Not that I’ve been discrete in any way so far, but that would be too much!

“I can set the alarm,” she reminded him. “What time? Five?”

“Fine.” Beth set the alarm, but left the light at its moonglow level. I like this level of light. Kind of romantic. Probably why she uses it. No reason why I can’t do the same, next time I get a woman to my room. If I ever do.

He pressed his lips into her short curls, and a spicy, cinnamon aroma invaded his nose, mingling with the musk of sex. He’d never noticed her perfume before. He pulled her closer, closed his eyes and relaxed

The doorbell rang. Smitty frowned and opened his eyes. Now what?

He started to reach, remembered it wasn’t his doorbell when Beth hit the intercom button. “What?” she asked, a touch of tartness in her voice.

“Beth? I, uh—”

She hurriedly fingered the controls again. “I’m not alone.” She turned the intercom off and draped her arm across Smitty’s torso.

I know that voice. “That was MacGregor,” he blurted out.

She sighed and scrunched one corner of her mouth, but admitted, “Yes.”

“But... he’s your superior!”

Her brow furrowed. “Hmmm.” She hesitated a few moments before saying, “He was a blasted good lover before he became my superior.”

Oh. Then maybe he wasn’t here to--

“And still can be, when the mood strikes him.”

He swallowed, stunned by her revelation. “Better not let the captain find out.”

“Oh, believe me, we are careful,” she stated. “But it isn’t that bad, really. I’m certainly not going to complain. And I’ve never asked him to do any favors for me. Therefore, what we do in the privacy of our own rooms is no one else’s business, is it?”

“The regulations are there for a reason,” he protested.

“Yes, to ensure the efficient operation of the ship without undue personal entanglements,” She agreed. “I dare anyone to say our sick bay is not efficiently operated. Even when I’m mad as a hornet with him, sick bay runs smoothly. But my being mad has nothing to do with our personal relationship.” She raised her face to kiss him. “I didn’t bring you here to talk about other lovers.”

“Why did you bring me here?” he asked, confused.

“For sex, silly,” she grinned, and kissed him again. “I hope you’ll remember that I am available to you.” She snuggled close against him and added, “Unless I’m with someone else, of course. Now, we’d better get some sleep; 5 o’clock isn’t that far away.”

Entanglement 1

Month 10 Day 31

2248 Hours

Smythe

Smitty heard a woman giggle as he approached a corner, and a man murmured a soft response. Lovers. He shivered at the thought. I don’t want to see anyone right now. A quick look around revealed he was next to the observatory deck. That will do. A few minutes in the clarity of a star field might just clear my mind.

He stepped into the room and let the door close behind him. The room was dark, and he left it that way, to increase the sense of being out among the stars seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows. They aren’t really windows. They’re screens. In hyper-space, like we are now, all a window would show us would be a mesmerizing swirl of odd colors. But we still need a chance to fight the occasional bout of claustrophobia. So we use screens to show a star field. Never mind that it isn’t real, it works.

He stepped close to the screen, the better to ignore the chairs lined against the wall. The utter blackness, punctuated by vivid pinpricks of light, seemed to envelop him and soothed sorely jangled nerves. He didn’t know how long he was there; it didn’t matter. Eventually, feeling refreshed, he thought about leaving, and turned for the door.

Oh. I’m not alone. Has she been there all along? I didn’t hear anyone come in. In my state, would I have heard someone come in? “Sorry, I... didn’t mean to intrude,” he offered softly.

She didn’t answer, just lifted one shoulder in a half shrug and raised a bottle to her mouth. The smell of whiskey was unmistakable. I need a drink.

As if she could hear his thoughts, she offered him the bottle. He stepped closer to take it, finished what little there was, and considered her in silence. It was so dark, there really wasn’t anything he could see, he was left with impressions only.

The 1st impression was of a fantastic female body. Not as good as hers, but there are a couple others aboard with figures nearly as good.

The 2nd impression was of paleness as a stray bit of light from the screens bounced off her head. Must be blond. That means it’s probably what’s-her-name, the nurse who talked her way into my hotel room during that 3-day shore leave. I need a woman. I really need a woman, and nurses are outside my chain of command, so as long as she’s willing...

His 3rd impression was that she was willing. Careful. It’s so dark in here, you can’t be sure what you see, so don’t go jumping on her eagerly, just to have her scream ‘rape’.

He placed the bottle in a chair next to the woman, who was leaning against an ornamental pillar. As he straightened up, he took a half step closer. “I could use some... company tonight,” he said softly. She turned her head to him, and opened her mouth in invitation.

I think it’s an invitation. Wish she’d say yes or no. Take it slow, Smitty. Give her every chance to stop you, if she doesn’t want to... do anything. Feeling like a teenager who doesn’t know if the girl likes him, he leaned forward slowly, until his lips touched hers. He heard a sharp intake of breath. Blast! I did misread signals in the dark. He started to pull away, but she surged forward enough to make it a real kiss. Yes. I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken. I taste whiskey. Of course, we’ve both been drinking.

He gently pushed her against the pillar and put his hands on her waist. This kiss is more intoxicating than whiskey. Go slow. She’s got needs, too, and women like making out as much or more than sex. Her hand was like a feather on his shoulder. His hand slid to her back as he tentatively tasted her lips with his tongue.

With a deep sigh, she pushed herself against him, and her arms flowed around his neck. No mistaking that, is there? He pulled her even closer, sliding his hand down to her rear. Slow down, Smitty. This is going too fast.

But she wasn’t inclined to cool off. When he broke the kiss to suggest they go to his room, she feverishly recaptured his mouth with hers and threw her leg around his. Space, she’s eager. Was on that shore leave, too. I like making out, but I’m going to need sex before much longer, and how can we do that if we don’t go to my room? Sex on the floor of the darkened observatory, almost as if they were out among the stars. That’s tempting. But not a good--

Blinding light. He instinctively closed his eyes from the glare, and froze, realizing they’d been caught. Captain’s going to kill me.

“Oh. Sorry.” He heard the door closing.

He opened his eyes when the light went off, and caught a glimpse of bright red at eye level as the door was closing. Red? I thought she was that blond nurse. If it’s not the blond, then it must be-- Oh no!

He ended the kiss deliberately, all the while battling his desire to continue. Once his mouth was free, he drug a deep breath into his lungs, smelling not just whiskey but musky lilacs as well. I know the answer to this question. I thought I knew before, so I’d better be sure. “Colleen?” he asked softly.

“Yes?” she answered breathlessly, and moved her mouth closer to his.

Oh, Black Space. Now comes the hard part. Using every bit of will power he possessed, he tore himself away from her, unwrapped her from around him. “Sorry,” he told her as he tried to shrug his uniform into place. “I... thought you were someone else.” He turned and made his way out. That’s the second time tonight I’ve let go and walked away from her. It’s torture. I can’t keep doing it. Obviously I can’t resist her forever. Another 6 months and I’ll go crazy. I have to avoid her. Captain won’t like that. But it’s either that or break a dozen regulations. And I still need--

Facing the Heat / Used

Facing the Heat

Month 10 Day 31

2158 Hours

Drake MacGregor

“Dr MacGregor.”

Uh oh. Both my title and my last name. Jane’s got something to bawl me out for, but I can’t imagine what. He turned to face her, “Yes, captain.”

“We need to talk.”

“Yes, it sounds as if we do.”

It rather looked as if Jane were chewing nails. Or ready to, at any rate. “I assume you understand that I’m very unhappy with your behavior, and the reason for my displeasure?”

He hesitated. It seemed obvious she was unhappy, although he wasn’t sure what he’d done to make her that way. But he got the feeling that her anger was more for show than real, and that she wanted him to acknowledge... whatever he had supposedly done wrong. Go along with it, Drake, rather than risk making her angry for real. He nodded. “I know there’s no excuse-“

“Good. That’s settled, then.” Although she still looked angry, she moved forward half a step and lowered her voice. “Are you still on good terms with the redhead? Would she dance with you again, do you think?”

Is that what this is all about? That I’ve danced too often with Mac? But Jane isn’t actually mad about it, that was all for some kind of show. He cleared his throat. “I suppose she would, if I asked. But there are other ladies-“

Jane leaned forward, intensely whispered, “This time, be prepared to give her up in mid-dance.”

She must have seen Adams try to cut in on me. But Mac wanted nothing to do with him, so I refused.

“This time, it will happen,” Jane went on fiercely. “Just let me engage Smitty in conversation before you start dancing with her.”

He blinked in surprise. Smitty? What’s talking to him got to do- Oh. “Understood,” he told her and didn’t take it personally when she moved off, still frowning.

Used

Month 10 Day 31

2204 Hours

Smythe

“Smitty, you haven’t danced much tonight,” Jane stated as she approached.

I don’t want to dance. I want a drink. Several drinks. Something a lot stronger than punch! But he pasted a dutiful smile on his face. “I guess I’m not much in the mood, captain.”

“Well, I am, so I hope you’ll indulge me?”

“My pleasure, captain,” and he led her onto the dance floor.

Once their gait was settled, she smiled and teased him. “Hard to imagine you would choose to miss this opportunity to hold pretty women in your arms. Or is it because you’d have to behave yourself that you’re forgoing that pleasure?”

Space, don’t do this to me, captain. Let’s just get this dance done, and then I’m leaving, and I don’t care how early it is. “I do have a pretty woman in my arms,” he returned.

She smiled patiently. “You know flattery doesn’t work on me. Besides, I’m serious. This is the perfect opportunity to show your junior officers some of your humanity. Just a touch of it, of course. If no one else, surely you could dance with Abdulla or Wilson.”

Blast, she’s going to make me. And if I do slip out without doing it, I’ll hear about it in the morning. “I’m afraid they’ve been busy.” I hope they have, or I just put my foot in my mouth.

“Then what about MacDowell?” she asked softly.

He could feel perspiration rolling down his face. “Even busier,” he stated. Was I hoarse? Not surprised, with that lump suddenly appearing in my throat just at the mention of her.

“Yes, I’ve noticed,” she agreed. “I think she’ll settle in as one of the crew in short order now, don’t you?”

“I imagine so.” Actually, it seems most of the crew already thinks of her that way. If she had more time for dating, most of the men would be swarming around her. As bad as Adams and Evans. She could have her pick of them. Won’t want the likes of me. Stop it, Smitty. Don’t think anything like that. She’s off limits.

“You’re very quiet,” Jane observed after a moment.

He started to say something, wasn’t sure what. Claim I’m tired or under the weather... something to lay the groundwork for leaving early. But Jane’s attention had wandered; she was staring over his shoulder. From the looks of that frown, she’s not happy about whatever she sees.

“I don’t believe it,” the captain muttered. “I told him to cool his jets. Come on, Smitty, this has got to stop.” She broke from the dance posture and pulled him along, to tap MacGregor on the shoulder. “Excuse me, we’re cutting in,” she announced, and virtually shoved Smitty at Drake’s partner while she claimed the doctor’s attention.

Green eyes stared at him from a white face as lilacs tickled his nose. “Colleen,” he realized with an exhalation of breath.

“We’ve cut in,” the captain hissed in his ear. “Finish the dance! At least you haven’t already had 6 dances with her!”

With that order in his ear, he mindlessly took the redhead in his arms and began moving his feet, as did she. After a moment, he cleared his throat and said, “You dance well.” Truth to tell, I don’t know if she’s stepped on my feet or not.

A touch of panic flashed across her face. “Too well, you mean?”

How in space-- “I don’t think it’s possible to dance too well,” he answered.

“No?” Her eyes were still worried. “Well, Pa wouldn’t approve.”

“Of dancing well?”

“Of dancing,” she stated. “But then, he doesn’t approve of women working outside the home, either,” she mumbled.

Sounds like a caveman.

A corner of her mouth turned upward slightly. “There are parts of Gaelund that are still wild and mostly unexplored.”

Blast, did I say that out loud? “I didn’t mean-- I shouldn’t have said--“ He stopped to take a deep breath of musky lilacs. “I doubt he’d approve of me. I don’t like helpless women. I prefer them educated and competent.”

“Wish I’d known that a year ago,” she muttered. “Might have saved me a lot of trouble.”

“How so?”

Her face turned red. “Well, I assume I wouldn’t have had to ask for your help.”

I don’t remember her ever- “When did you ask for my help?”

Startled green eyes fell to his chest as her face burned. “Right after I flunked my 5th test. I came to your room on my way to my post and--”

His arms jerked in shock, and her body slammed against him as the odor of lilac musk filled the air around them. “You did?” he demanded, but suddenly lost his voice as he realized what that meant. He could barely whisper, “I thought I’d dreamed it.”

She studied him for a time. “Wish I could have dreams like that,” she stated softly. “The only dreams I ever remember are about falling off a cliff.”

Falling off a cliff. That’s what I’ve done; I’ve fallen head over heels for- Someone bumped into him, hard, and it suddenly dawned on him that he was holding a junior officer in a tight embrace and had given up all pretense of dancing as they stared at each other. Have you lost your mind, Smitty? Probably. He broke free of her with a lurch, turned and walked off the dance floor, out of the decorated banquet hall.

Blast! I need a drink. This isn’t good, Smitty. She’s here to stay, and already you’ve started to lose control. Just like MacGregor and Bugalu. Even worse than them. Captain pulled MacGregor away for having too many dances with Colleen, and I practically seduce her, right then and there! Jane’ll chew me out royally for this. and I deserve it! The gossip I just started! How could I do such a thing?

His head reeling, he began to roam the hallways, taking turns and stairways at random as he tried to sort out his thoughts.