archives, and it was all because of that Hogg. Who, she'd found out, was called Hamm of all things. She'd about spit her drink in Hamm's face when he'd told her. Her mother loved to tell her about all the different foods on Earth and the animals. She'd compare them to what there was in the rest of the universe. It was a way for her to teach Cali about her Earthan half.
Later in the night, Hamm had also done something she never believed a Hogg could do.
He'd danced.
With abandon.
The floor of The Brink shook as Hamm had bounced to the beat of the music, and for a while, she'd worried the transparent flashing floor wouldn't hold. But it had, and after a time, others had joined Hamm. It had indeed been a sight to see.
Now she was so exhausted she didn't even bother to strip off her clothes and let sleep claim her.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Cali couldn't stop the smile that broke across her face as she watched Sub Commander Ynn walk across the bar toward her. He'd contacted her earlier, through The Brink's comm, stating he'd be down to escort her to third meal. She'd tried to tell him she could get there on her own, but he'd ignored her by disconnecting the comm.
She hadn't planned on working, but it was Mae’s and Tay's union anniversary, and Mae had asked if she could come in a little late. Soon it wouldn't be just the two of them, and Cali wanted them to have this time. She would have told Taarig that if he'd given her a chance.
"You said you were off tonight," Taarig said as he sat down in an empty seat at the end of the bar, ignoring the stares he was getting. She was again wearing one of what, for her, was a conservative outfit. A high-collared, long-sleeved, black shirt made from some type of woven material ended halfway down her torso. It thinned as she moved, revealing she wore nothing beneath it. Her skirt, also black, hugged her hips and brushed the tops of her black, heeled boots that ended mid-thigh.
All-in-all, she was almost covered while still managing to show off all her tasty bits to her customers. For some reason, that bothered him. She'd even removed the energy wands from her hair, letting it flow around her shoulders in dark waves.
"An owner is never really off, Sub Commander, any more than you or the Commander are."
Taarig nodded his head, still distracted by the possessiveness he felt for Cali.
"Mae will be here to take over for me soon, and then we can go." She set a glass of Apreian skotsk down in front of him, then walked away to wait on another customer.
Taarig leaned back and took a sip of the perfectly poured skotsk. He hadn't seen her pour it, and Jamis had told him how she kept the bottle in a hidden cubby. That meant she'd already had it out, anticipating his wants. That had a warmth spreading through him, which had nothing to do with the skotsk.
He watched as she single-handedly served her thirsty patrons quickly and efficiently. She seemed to know them, calling many by name. She was relaxed, ready to laugh, and always seemed to have a smile on her lips. Then Vaine Masala pushed her way up to the bar, and her entire demeanor changed.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Cali said nothing as Vaine shouldered her way between the two males Cali had just served. As the datter of a Coalition general, Vaine was used to getting her way and getting people to back down. Her status allowed her to obtain sleeping quarters on any Coalition base, including meal credits, but she relied on the males she slept with to provide her with everything else. Being on the restricted list had cut her off from that flow of credits. While many males were willing to spend their credits on her, few were willing to give her actual access to their account. That severely curtailed her social life, and Cali knew she wanted it back.
After what happened with the Hogg, Cali knew Vaine wasn't going to just let this go. What did surprise Cali was that she'd come back so soon!
"Phoc wine," Vaine ordered.
Cali's only action was to slide a chip reader in front of Vaine.
Vaine glanced down at it and sneered, "Start a tab."
"No."
"Listen, you Earthan bitch, I'm General Masala's oldest datter. If you don't serve me, he will destroy