I imagine this particular exchange occurred sometime during the course of that ‘off-screen’ interrogation to which I referred in “Parthian Shots.”

“More than He Could Chew”

By Joseph Manno

If asked just then Mantovanni mightn’t have been able to decide whether captain’s chair or witness stand was the hot—rather, the hotter—seat.

Louvois’ until-then-straightforward line of questioning took an abrupt, but not particularly surprising, turn.

"Just how often has Lieutenant Parihn manipulated you, Captain?"

Her accusation missed the mark, or, more precisely, didn't have the effect she'd hoped.

"Time and again, Commodore." His voice hardened. "But never as relates to our duty, and not, I assure you, via pheromones. She uses the tried-and-true methods women have been employing since Eve said to Adam, 'Just eat it ... trust me.'"