Stories of the Confederated Star Systems Read Free Page B

time—”
    “We’re not doing that again,” Erica interrupted. “This time I’m the captain and I’ll have to cover our asses. Though I have to admit, it was fun.”
    “So we have to behave like grownups this time. Damn. Ah, well, it may be time. I’ll need about three hours. My whites are still packed. I’ll have to have station services do a quick run through. Want me to take yours?”
    Captain Reordan shook her head. “No, mine are freshly pressed. I’ve been expecting something formal for a while, though I didn’t think it’d be this elaborate. Be sure to bring all your costume jewelry and fruit salad as well. Especially the blue one.”
    “Oh?”
    “If someone asks why I brought along an enlisted woman, I want them to see it.”
    “You’re expecting trouble.” Captain Reordan nodded mutely. “So you think that’s going to shut someone up?”
    “Not the person I’m thinking of, but Eric Roberts once wore a Marine lieutenant’s uniform. He will deal with any trouble as soon as he sees that ribbon. Or his mom will. Tell you what, Krys, I’ve never been so instantly intimidated by anyone before, and the woman can’t be more than a meter and a half tall. There’s just something about her that made me feel like a toddler again.”
    Krystal shook her head slowly. “I gotta meet this lady. I’ll com you when my uniform is ready.” She came to attention briefly, then did an about face and left her captain’s office.
    * * *
    The trip down to Earth was routine. They received clearance to land and park the Kitty in among dozens of other Navy shuttles, then they slipped into a locker-room and changed into civilian clothes. Their day-to-day uniforms were unceremoniously stuffed in a rented locker. When they walked out, all anyone saw was two well-dressed, attractive, forty-something women as they caught a transport to the Avalon Resort.
    Exquisitely polite young men came and took their bags, and Krystal sighed as they made their way to the desk. “Do I really have to be good, Erica?”
    The captain chuckled softly before answering. “Just no skinny-dipping in the fountain this time.”
    Krystal whispered, “That was your idea,” just before they reached the desk.
    Captain Reordan asked, “Do you have reservations for Erica Reordan and Krystal McCormack?”
    The man at the desk punched a few keys on his keyboard and nodded. “Yes, Madame. Adjoining suites twenty-three-oh-five and twenty-three-oh-seven.” He handed over two keycards. “The bellmen will see you to your rooms.”
    Captain Reordan took the keys and handed the one marked twenty-three-oh-seven to Krystal, then nodded to the bellmen. The two young men led off without a word, and Captain Reordan shook her head as she followed Krystal’s gaze. The young man did have a nice backside. In fact, both of them did.
    When they reached their rooms, Captain Reordan tipped her bellman and let him go, then stood in her doorway to see how long Krystal kept her young man. It took three extra minutes for the bellman to emerge from her room, and he had a bemused expression on his face as he walked past Erica. Krystal came out a few moments later with a similar expression. “What?”
    “He called me Ma’am, Erica. Ma’am? I’m not old enough to be called Ma’am by a man his age—am I?”
    Captain Reordan shook her head slowly. “I’ve been getting it from men my own age for twenty years, Krys, so I’d have to say yes, you are—don’t!” she snapped as Krystal’s fist came up. “Hitting your captain is not allowed.”
    “Even if she deserves it?”
    “ Especially if she deserves it. Come on, let’s go up to the restaurant and see what’s on the menu.”
    Krystal nodded and fell in beside Erica, getting in step automatically. Neither noticed. Like most long-time service members, it was as natural as breathing. They took the elevator up to the restaurant that occupied the entire roof of the building.
    “Two for dinner?” a pretty,