>>6024707“Enough of this.” You push both men aside. “Johnson, have you already forgotten what you yourself told me about not showing weakness in front of the crew?” Your eyes rove around the room, looking for any sign of untimely curiosity. None dare meet your glance.
“I'm not a child. I don't need all that bullshit. If you want me to kill Thanaret in revenge for a friend of yours, just say so.” You can tell Johnson is struggling to keep his voice low. “No, that's not what I meant. He's a monster, don't you understand?”
“I fail to see how that is related to your request, Lieutenant Commander.” His hands repeatedly clenched and opened in exasperation. Surprisingly, he hasn't started breathing in and out yet. “So you think this is personal? I don't need to lose someone dear to me in order to want justice.”
“Vengeance, what you are asking of me is vengeance. There is a difference.” Tim is struck silent, tongue-tied. “As you said, he has already met justice. Any pretension otherwise is the talk of tyrants and backstabbers.”
His face remains blank as you greet the younger Thanaret. He obsequiously kisses your hand before rising, a full head shorter than you. “I never expect to meet such a beauty out here, Commander Thornton. Though I must admit your eyes are less bright than the suns.” That's an odd compliment. Noticing your confusion, he continues, “I haven't seen coral in person yet, but judging from the photos it is probably more red than your lips.” Huh, is he trying to flatter you?
“Uh, uhm, I can't see your breasts, but I would guess that they are dun, like, hmm, dirty snow.” You instinctively cross your hands in front of your chest. Salzar is red-hot from second-hand embarrassment. Tim suddenly bursts out laughing, “I think we have heard enough of your little poetry recital, Lieutenant Thanaret.”
Sensing an opportunity to get him far away from the upcoming meeting, you quickly follow up, “We don't have coral in our aeroponics but the other plants are quite pretty as well. Johnson, can you lead the Lieutenant here on a tour of the ship?” You didn't say it out loud, but you are certain he can read the true intentions plastered on your face. Calmly, he grabs the youth's shoulder and leads him out of the room without another word.
“What a fucking mess, isn't it, capt'?” Your neck cringes at a strong gust of wind from the vent blowing on the sweat-soaked collar. “We have seen nothing yet. Remember, someone had to teach Thanaret junior that awful introduction. Or maybe he was never taught anything at all.”
