” Lou nodded, then used his palms to roll the spatula between his hands.“Why not use a fork?” she asked.“Well, there are some situations where...a spatula is more effective and easier,” Lou said, nodding. “There’s also tongs and whisks and graters and peelers...”Beatrice giggled.“What?” Lou asked.“I just ... humans ... make so many bits and bobs to put in their hands!” she said, her red eyes sparkling with delight. Her outermost eyes closed – what he was beginning to recognize being the same way. I had let four freighters go by carrying retinue cargo. The large merchant logo on this one blazed as I moved my ship closer to one of the airlocks. I smiled, the merchant that owned this ship was very vocal about supporting the council.He was also known as a brute and bully. The news talked about his habit of taking a wife and then she disappears when he gets tired of her. I moved through the large freighter collecting crew as I went. When I finally entered the master's quarters it was to see. The following day, Miguel looked ecstatic as Reema stepped off the bus. His wide eyes and beaming smile confirmed it. She noticed the prickliness of the stubble on his chin when they embraced for a kiss. Back in Miguel’s dorm room, he rearranged his belongings to make more space. Reema wondered why he didn’t do that before she arrived, perhaps he was busy. He sat on the bed and she plopped down beside him. ‘I’m glad you’re!’ he said. ‘Yeah, me too,’ Reema agreed. Self-consciously, she threaded. "Wait! I want you to do me a favor, though." Sure. Whatever." Take Mandy out tonight." Who?" The new girl on the squad? I told her I knew someone. She's new in town. I told her we could double. Well, triple I guess."Not how I'd planned to spend my night. We were going to double with Peter and Missy. Lisa was a 'no restrictions' date for me so I didn't have to obey any special rules. Some new chick - if Peter even says ok - I basically won't even be able to kiss her goodnight. But I didn't.