I’m surprised he doesn’t just go up and pull her hair.

“Language Barrier”

By Joseph Manno

Vaerth Parihn’s gaze flicked across the barroom and then returned to her companion.

“There’s someone you haven’t hit on.”

Brett King smiled, already considering an approach, and glanced over—where, surrounded by PADDS instead of people, sat Ship’s Linguist Lieutenant Molly Ainsworth, at the moment oblivious to everything but her studies.

Immediately, his smile vanished.

“She… looks too busy.”

For an instant, though, something else had been legible in his expression, and Parihn had both read it…

…and recognized it.

The Orion grinned with real relish.

“So that’s it.”

King scrutinized his drink.

“What do you mean?”

“You like her.”