Free Bloodthirst by J.M. Dillard Page A

the hell with it. Let’s drop it.”
    But Lamia wasn’t about to let it rest. How could anyone be so forgiving when their pride was at stake? “Instead she called you on the carpet in front of another officer. I thought it was cruel. I’m just trying to stick up for you”
    â€œI don’t need anyone to stick up for me,” Stanger snapped, so sharply that Lamia recoiled into her chair. “As long as Tomson does her job, it doesn’t matter a damn bit whether her crew likes her or not, does it?” He took a savage gulp of beer and almost choked, but managed to swallow it.
    â€œI suppose not,” Lamia answered icily, her antennae flattened on her scalp in a gesture of disapproval.
    Lisa squirmed uncomfortably in her chair as the others looked down into their glasses and sulked. “Hey,” she said, with insincere brightness, in a pathetic attempt to lighten the mood. “Speaking of Tomson, I forgot to tell you both today’s skinny”
    â€œSkinny?” Lamia was still sulking while counting the bubbles in the Thirelian Mountain water.
    â€œYou know. The lowdown. The latest gossip. I got it from Acker Esswein—you know him, he’s security night shift”
    â€œWe share quarters,” Stanger said softly, in a way that let everyone know he wasn’t pleased by the fact.
    â€œGood.” Lisa continued bravely. “Anyway, Acker overheard Lieutenant Tomson talking to the captain. It’s been months since Tomson’s had a second-in-command. They were going to bring someone in from outside because nobody on board was due for a promotion, but apparently Tomson is so picky that no one has suited her. So Acker overheard her saying to the captain that she’s decided someone on board the
Enterprise
should be promoted anyway.” Lisa leaned back with a satisfied expression. “How’s
that
for news?”
    â€œI suppose this means that everyone will be knifing his or her colleague in the back.” Expressionless, Stanger rose, leaving his glass on the table. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies.” And without further hesitation he walked out of the rec lounge.
    â€œHey,” Lamia said angrily. “What is
wrong
with that man?” What she wanted to say was:
Humans. What is wrong with them?
But for Lisa’s sake, she held back.
    Lisa seemed more sad than angry. She watched him leave, and her eyes lingered at the doorway for a moment before she spoke. “Don’t be mad at him, Lamia; it’s my fault.” She stared disconsolately into her pineapple juice. “I always do this. I just ran my mouth off without thinking. I should have known it might upset him.”
    â€œWhat would upset him? About the promotions? Just because his chances aren’t good? Well, mine aren’t either, but you don’t see me walking out. It’s no wonder he’s an ensign at his age.”
    â€œYou don’t know.” Lisa looked up at her wonderingly. “I guess I never told you.”
    â€œTold me what?”
    Lisa glanced around guiltily to be sure Stanger was gone, then lowered her voice, as if afraid he’d overhear anyway. “About Stanger. You didn’t know he was the security chief on board the
Columbia?
”
    Lamia’s antennae surged gently in Lisa’s direction.
"Chief?”
She brought a hand to her mouth. It certainly explained his behavior down on Tanis. “No wonder he kept calling me ensign—I just assumed he was pompous. But how”
    â€œHe made a big mistake, that’s how. The story I got from Acker was that they caught Stanger trying to smuggle illegal weapons onto the ship. Apparently, he didn’t offer any sort of defense when they caught him.”
    "Smuggling?”
Lamia gasped. “I’m surprised they let him stay in the Fleet!”
    â€œI know, it’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Acker said his record was otherwise so good that all he