This is, in some ways, a companion piece to “Tiger by the Toe,” but for regular readers, it probably stands on its own.

“Pussyfooting Around”

By Joseph Manno

Bagheer considered his last moments with Hatshepsut prior to leaving for Sacramento.

Had she withstood him—or, rather, manipulated him into avoiding her—all this time with a simple bit of psychological misdirection? She was, after all, ship’s counselor, and could have planned a foolproof assault on his virtue better than anyone else aboard.

Yet, instead, she’d pursued him… and he’d run for years.

M’Raav was, he conceded, extremely attractive—especially now that he couldn’t have her.

With an amused purr at having been outmaneuvered, he wondered if she’d planned the desire he felt now…

…and wagered that she had.