Chapter 10

“Yes,” said Mick. “Absolutely.”

He finished his dinner alone, cursing software problems in general and this one in particular. Then he headed to the lounge. Board game night wasn’t his favorite, but it beat sulking in his quarters until bedtime.

“Someone’s been deprived of his fun,” noted Larissa as soon as he sat at her table. “I can see the storm cloud over your head and I’m presuming it has something to do with Kevin being called away.”

“What’s one night of sex compared to the greater good of the station functioning properly?” asked Ott.

“A closer call than you realize,” Mick answered. “Besides, it’s not just sex.”

Larissa paused shuffling the cards for her favorite game. “More than sex? I want to hear about this.”

“That makes no sense at all. Why would you want more with someone who’s going to be gone in a couple ofweeks?” Ott inquired, taking his usual game token.