Free Morgan's Choice by Greta van Der Rol Page B

officers’
mess every night, Srimana ?” Morgan
asked Ravindra as they walked the last few paces along the corridor
to their respective quarters. Srimana . If you tried really hard, you could sneer the
word.
    He stopped and looked down at her. “No. I
usually dine alone. Most times you will join me, in my
quarters.”
    Oh, that was just great. Only slightly better
than being the prize exhibit in the mess. “Must I wear this?” She
plucked a piece of the horrible dress.
    “Yes. And I do not tolerate unpunctuality.”
He turned to his quarters.
    Bastard. Arrogant, full-of-himself bastard.
Morgan wished she could slam the fucking door.
     
    ****
    
 Ravindra had hardly sat down at his desk
at the commencement of his day when his clerk informed him Captain
Lomandra wished to see him.
    “Send him in.” He’d wondered how long it
would be before Lomandra decided to confront him.
    The Captain, stone-faced as ever, entered,
stood to attention and bowed. “Admiral.”
    “Captain.”
    “I wished to discuss the alien female. You
have her working with Senior Commander Hanestran.” A neutral tone
so far.
    “Yes. As I explained in the mess
yesterday.”
    “With respect, Admiral, is that wise?”
    “ If the woman can add to our knowledge of
the Yogina I think
it’s very wise.”
    Lomandra mashed his lips.
    Careful, Captain, be very careful.
    “ But, Srimana , can we trust her? What do we know of this… person?” His
lip twisted in distaste.
    “More than you might think. Sayvu may have
been a traitor but she did an excellent job of finding out about
our guests. Particularly in her delightfully frank discussions when
she thought no-one could hear. I have taken a most particular
interest and studied them both, especially the woman.” Yes, most
especially the woman.
    Lomandra’s eyes flickered. Not convinced.
    “As to trust, I appreciate there is a level
of risk. Bear in mind, though, we fitted emotional response
monitors which will be functional for a few days yet. In addition
Hanestran will keep a close eye on her, as will I. At other times,
Senior Commander Prasad has appointed a female officer to share her
quarters. If she proves intractable or in any way a danger…” He
moved his hand flat in a cutting gesture.
    “ Yes, Srimana .”
    “ You disapprove, Captain ?” Of course you do but you’d better not say
so .
    “ I… do not question you, Srimana . A
number of senior officers have begun to ask me questions. They’re
curious.”
    “I understand they would be interested. I’ll
bring her to the mess regularly. They can see her for themselves.
Have my adjutant bring me the order for Sayvu’s execution as you
leave.”
    “Admiral.” A short bow.
    “ Captain .” Ravindra turned his attention back to his screen. He heard
the door close when Lomandra left. Yes, he’d taken a risk. But
then, if the woman could help and he did not take the opportunity,
he would have failed in his duty. He wished he knew enough to
predict where the Yogina would
strike again.
     
     
     
     

Chapter
Ten
     
     
     
    Morgan flicked her eyes up at the man
opposite her for the hundredth time. Ravindra seemed different
tonight, finishing his food automatically. They hadn’t even chatted
over the meal.
    Over the days she’d begun to actually
enjoy his company. To begin with he’d asked many of the questions
she had already answered for Sayvu, but recently they’d moved on to
other things. They’d talked about ships and space and crews,
pirates and hijackers, the sorts of things people in the same
business could share, things she would have talked about with other
spacers in a bar or restaurant. The last few nights the discussions
had widened to sport and music.
    “You seem… distracted,” she said.
    He pushed away his bowl and smiled. “I have
been looking at the recordings from your ship with some interest. I
would like you to explain some things to me.”
    “ Of course, Srimana .”
    Much good it would do him. The one