–I think I’m in love,†Keyla said as she tore into her replicated sauerbraten. She almost felt sorry for it.
–They say it’s a mark of a great captain when his crew falls in love with him, just a little,†Joann said as she worked over her falafel plate.Â
–Who says that?†Airiam asked, cocking her head quizzically.
–They.â€
–But who is they?â€
–Them.†She took a spoonful of yogurt dressing.
–Well, I’m not in love him,†Gen said, –I’m just privileged to be serving under him.â€
–You’re in love with Lieutenant Bellino,†Keyla said. –And I got bad news for you: She’s back with Tamara from Botany.â€
Rhys looked at her like she’d shot his puppy.
–Surely you didn’t think that break up would last, did you? Those two are going get married.â€
–Besides, Joann said, –We’ll be stopping off at Starbase Thirteen next week. Maybe you’ll meet the girl of your dreams there.â€
–No one loves Rhys,†Airiam said, adding extra dejection to her vocal synthesis.
–Shut up,†he grumped.
"I really could use a salad," Owosekun said. "I don't know why the replicators have such a limited menu during third-shift."
"Mid-rats," Rhys explained.
"You're eating rats," Airiam said, her synthesized voice somehow conveying delight. "Biologicals are gross."
"Midnight rations," Keyla explained. "Late-night food. Deep-fried. Unhealthy. At least that's the tradition."
"Now it's all healthy," Owosekun said, "but the menu is limited. I guess it's a nod to tradition."
"Are you sure you're not eating rats?"
"I don't care if I am, I'm famished," Keyla said as she shoveled a forkful of sauerbraten into her mouth.
"Biologicals are gross," Airiam repeated.
–Today was a hell of a day on the bridge," Rhys said.
–The Captain’s a damn force of nature,†Keyla said more effusively than she expected. No one seemed to have noticed.
–We’re lucky to have him,â€Â Owosekun agreed.Â
–I’d follow him anywhere,†Rhys said, hoisting his tortilla up for his first bite. –I’d follow him to hell.â€