“By tomorrow morning, at the latest. I’ve warned them that it’s a high-priority request.”
“Alright, I will stop by tomorrow morning and look at the shoes then. Do you know where the decorations we saved from the last Presenting Ceremony are stored? I want to check what we have on hand before I go any further.”
“Yes, let me check my system,” D’Merx says. As he clicks through his computer system, he shows Natasha how to look up the information. “Ah, see. Here it is. It is all in Room A123, in Bins 26 through 32. That’s in the bowels of the ship. I will send you a copy of the contents of those bins so you can see if you need to purchase any additional items. I am also adding your palm print into the system, so you have access to the room. But you will need an escort to access that floor of the ship. I can take you there after lunch today.”
“Okay, I can meet you here around 2. Would that work for you?”
D’Merx doesn’t answer me because he is too busy watching Natasha as she examines the information on the computer monitor. She points to a spot on the screen, “Is this where I can edit the inventory if something is removed or used?”
“Yes, that’s exactly right,” D’Merx says, looking proud as she grins at him.
“I’ve got to go. I need to talk to L’Corte,” I say, sad to interrupt their little moment, but I really do need to get moving. “Natasha, could you walk with me for a minute?”
“Sure,” Natasha responds, rising from her chair.
“I could escort you,” D’Merx offers, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
“Thank you for the offer, but maybe next time?” I say, hoping he’ll get the hint. It’s girl talk time.
“Of course. The offer always stands.”
Natasha and I head out of the office. I lead her down the hall, away from D’Merx, who follows our progress with hungry eyes until we round a corner out of sight.
“So… what do you think? I know you didn’t have a lot of time to see what the job involved, but are you interested?” I ask.
“D’Merx showed me a little bit of what he does, and it looks interesting. Plus, he said they would have one of the Cerasteans staying behind to run the office. I’d be more like a support person until I get to know the ropes. It seems like it might be a good fit for me,” Natasha says happily.
“I’m so glad. I know D’Merx will be happy to have your help,” I reply, making sure to leave any innuendo out of my voice. Pushing now would not be helpful. I need just to step back and let them simmer.
“He’s nice,” Natasha confides in me.
“He is. I do a lot of shopping,” I say, making Natasha snort-giggle. “He’s always really nice, even when I get demanding.”
“Youget demanding? Noooo!” Natasha says with a grin.
“Smartass,” I tease. “I just know what I want, and I don’t settle for less.”
“That’s sounds like a good philosophy to have. I should probably adopt it.”
“It’s what my mom always taught my sister and me. She always said, ‘If you act like a doormat, you can’t be surprised when people walk all over you.’ I swear she said that at least once a month for my entire life.”
“Your mom sounds like a badass,” Natasha says.
“She’s something; that’s for certain. If you think I’m demanding, you should meet her.” I laugh. “You know what? I take that back. Everyone on this ship is better off never meeting my mom. She would traumatize all these poor aliens.” Glancing at my tablet, I groan at the time. “I’ve got to talk to L’Corte. You good?”
“Yes, I’m great. I’m going to head back to D’Merx and see if he will show me more about the job,” Natasha says with a faint blush staining her cheeks.
“Good idea! You still doing your yoga class tonight?”
“Yes. After what you said about everyone being worried, I was thinking of adding a couple more. Maybe some guided meditation classes too. It might help with the additional stress.”
“I love that idea! You should run it past Rosie and make sure she can get you space for the practice. I have a feeling the training room might be busy this week with Cerasteans sparring.”
With a thoughtful look in her eyes, Natasha says goodbye and heads back in the direction of the Requisitions Office and D’Merx.
As I step into the L’Wrayth’s office, I feel a little evil for enjoying the wary look on his face.
“Good morning, L’Wrayth!” I chirp. “Is L’Corte in?”
