He looked dejected. “Is there someone else you’re interested in?”
Yes, but he doesn’t want me.She shook her head. “I’m just new to all this and learning it all. I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship yet.”
He didn’t look like he completely believed her. “I’m not forcing myself on you but I won’t be giving up unless you tell me to.”
She smiled up at him. She had to admire his persistence. Her few boyfriends in the past never made her feel so desirable. It was a real ego boost. Maybe one of these times he will ask and she will finally be over her crush on the commander and say yes to him.
“I expect no less.”
“Where would you like me to escort you to before my shift begins?”
“I want to look at engineering again. I am still amazed at how everything works.”
He shook his head at her. “You’re very quick at picking up things. You must be a genius back on your planet. What position did you hold?”
She snorted. “I installed cable TV.”
“I do not know what that is.”
She waved it off. “I just basically set up things so that people could receive information on their televisions, like digital monitors.”
“Oh, well that is a highly important position, then. Without you the Earth people would not know what was going on in the world.”
She didn’t correct him on how unimportant her job was. Besides, some of what he said was true. The installers, who not only installed the cables but also maintained and fixed things when they went wrong, were important in their own right. Some of the smartest people she’d ever met were installers like her.
They walked to the lift and went down to the level where engineering was located. Stopping right outside the door, he turned to her.
“I have to get ready for my shift but if you call on your comm link, I’ll make sure someone comes to escort you back to your quarters.”
“I appreciate it but I think I can figure out how to get back.”
“Are you sure I can’t convince you to go to the Evening Meal with me?”
Teagan touched his arm. “I’m probably going to stay inside my quarters tonight and just have something delivered. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait.” He smiled before leaving.
She watched him until he disappeared inside the lift. Why couldn’t she be interested in him? He was nice and sweet, not to mention easy on the eyes. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the one she dreamed of every night. Sighing, she turned and entered engineering. Men stood up straighter and smiled at her. Her attention was immediately taken by the new equipment installed.
“Oh, what is that?” She was completely lost in investigating.
*****
Two hours later
“Commander LemAN, the leader of the Balar people has requested you come through the wormhole immediately.”
LemAN growled low at the mention of the other male. “Why?”
“He claims there has been movement that looks similar to the Morins.”
Kitana! He didn’t like the blue leader because the male had way too much interest in Teagan, but if there was a chance another Morin ship was presenting itself they had to lend aid.
“Set course for Balar.”
“Yes, Commander.”
