Page 74 of Bernadette

She snorted at the now empty but still whining cart as it passed her again. She forced her irritation aside. What was debt compared to all she’d gained? Tumsa never took from her strength, but offered unrelenting support. Hal would make a full recovery and remain at her side. Doljen exhibited no hint thus far that he regretted giving his clanmates a chance to win him. Better yet, he showed no sign he’d disappear again.

On the outside, Bernadette snapped orders and fielded questions from her crew as they made ready for a supply run. It appeared to be just another day for the captain of the transportRogue, but inside, she was giddy, bright with hope for Clan Tumsa and herself.

Life held all the promise she’d once believed out of her reach. Even with some concerns unresolved, how could she be unhappy?

* * * *

Six months later

“Coffee, Captain?”

“Thanks, Larsen.” She inhaled with pleasure as the young man poured her a fresh cup. She examined him surreptitiously, determined to avoid tripping his anxiety alarms by overtly examining him.

He’d filled out from the scrawny wreck he’d been when Kom had first dragged him on board. He wore a smile that appeared natural, especially when Burken and Dakmo flirted with him. The two Nobeks did so outrageously and in silly ways. Their hijinks allowed them to elude pissing off Kom while still vyingfor the cute human’s attention. It was a good thing they were so careful. Kom had warned them he’d wear their dicks as earrings if he suspected they were trying to steal Larsen’s affections.

The Earther was improved, but he remained skittish and prone to hiding out in his and Kom’s quarters when he wasn’t helping to staff the mess hall. Kom had mentioned he might have to resign and take his companion home to his clan, in the hope Larsen might do better in a more settled situation. Bernadette hated to lose Kom, but she understood. Few could recover from a lifetime of damage in a matter of a few months.

Larsen glanced over and caught her looking. His pleasant expression turned tremulous.

“Thank heavens for another Earther who knows how to brew a decent pot,” she said to cover the scrutiny. “I might have to give you a bonus.”

He laughed, his blue eyes twinkling. “Don’t tease, Captain. I’ve had my eye on an acoustic guitar I saw in a junkshop on the Adraf station near the border with Plasius space. A vintage Martin with no sign of warping, if you can believe it.” He appeared rapturous, for once hopeful and unafraid.

“I bet Kom would buy it for you.”

The voltage of his stellar smile slipped a bit. “Kom does too much already.”

He didn’t addI don’t deserve it, but Bernadette heard it loud and clear. Matthew Larsen had a long way to go yet.

He moved on to check on Vonin and Sszimin at the next table. Tumsa, Hal, and Doljen entered the mess. While his clanmates headed straight to her table, Hal waved on his way to the food line and bellowed, “I adore you, Captain. I’ll prove it by throwing myself at your feet momentarily, but first, food!”

He’d made a full recovery and was as irascible as ever. She blew a raspberry and pretended to pout. He laughed at her and grabbed a tray.

“How was your pre-dawn forage?” she yawned as Tumsa and Doljen sat. She’d missed waking up next to them. They’d raced off before the sun had risen on Tratsod to make deals on theRogue’s behalf.

Tumsa rubbed his hands together like an evil mastermind. All he was missing was the diabolical sneer and actual evil. “So many cargos, so little ship to put them on. But I did my best. Speaking of people throwing themselves at others’ feet, don’t squash my toes when you see what I scored. You’ll be that eager to thank me.”

Bernadette gasped at the number of manifests he displayed on his handheld. She gasped again at the goods listed. “Woof. Have I told you lately I love you?”

“I’m always open to hearing it again.” His eyes twinkled.

“I love you. Not just because the bays will be stuffed to the ceilings, but the cargo isn’t hurting your case.”

“It’s all destined for Earth II. You gotta love the launch of a whole new planet. They need everything.”

She scanned the items. “This is all infrastructure, not even consumer goods. The colony opens in what, eighteen months? I smell boom years ahead.”

“We’ll be in on it early. With us establishing our reputation with its leaders before the first colonist arrives, we’ll have a steady customer base right off the bat.”

“Nice job, my Dramok. I’ll get to that ‘throwing myself at you’ scenario later, when we’re in our quarters.” She let their intimate connection slip out without a second thought. They were on duty, but she was the captain. She could do what she damned well wanted to.

“I did okay too.” Doljen nudged Tumsa, playfully trying to shove him aside.

Tumsa snickered and pushed back, his face alight with affection. “I earned money. You spent it.”

“To guarantee a healthy and happy crew. You can’t put a price on that.”

“You can, and I hope you did.” Bernadette pretended severity.

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