Page 23 of Black Star

“Try to talk to them. See if they’ll tell us what they want.”

“I’ve been trying, Sir.” Viktor sounded annoyed. “They either aren’t capable of communication or they’re ignoring me.”

Damon tried to control the smile playing at his lips. “I see.”

“I don’t like being ignored, Captain.” The big man was definitely annoyed. Of all the people aboard theBlack Star, of all the people Damon had met, period, Viktor was the last person he would want annoyed at him.

“Just don’t get an itchy trigger finger, Viktor. Not until I tell you to.” The Second only grunted. “Keep an eye on them. If they make any sudden moves, I want to know about it.”

“As you command.”

Damon knew he needed to remain at the command center, but he had to get his new crewmember settled. For some reason, he didn’t want to make it widely known she was here. He felt like the longer he kept Phoebe to himself, the longer she’d be his. The girl had gotten under his skin but good, and he’d only spent a few minutes in her presence. He was too old to be acting like a teenager with a crush.

He rose, making eye contact with Viktor as he did. “You’re in command. Notify me at the slightest change in their behavior.”

His Second didn’t speak, only raised an eyebrow. Damon turned on his heel and headed out the door. Back to his cabin.

He found it empty. Phoebe had been back -- her uniform jacket lay on the bed -- but she had apparently left.

Damon’s heart raced. Where was she? Had she left him already? He felt like a little boy. Insecure. Scared. And for what? A woman? A woman he didn’t even know. He was obsessed with her. Ridiculous!

Heading back to the bridge would be the best plan, but he knew he wouldn’t. After an hour of searching, Damon punched a bulkhead. No Phoebe. Where was she?

Actually, where waseveryone? The ship was deserted. And what was that smell? It wafted through the halls, growing stronger and more delicious as he went.

“Captain!” Damon spun around. Connor. He was a junior officer in engineering. “I don’t know where you picked up the new cook, but thank the stars you did. I thought I’d die eating that freeze-dried shit they pack for us.” The man gave him a “thumbs up” as he passed him.

He headed to the galley, the aroma of food growing ever stronger. It was the most delicious thing he’d ever smelled. Coming from the kitchen. Hurrying to the crew mess, Damon found the answer to his missing crew. Every last man not on duty was eating. Not that he could blame them. His mouth was watering.

Every man in the mess raised his glass and cheered when Damon walked in. He couldn’t help the crooked smile that came to his lips. “I guess this means the new cook is a hit?”

They all laughed and gave their assent before returning to their meals. He was just about to go in search of his own plate when one was set in front of him. The food was unbelievably tempting, but not so much as the sleek arm extending his plate. He gulped. What had he gotten himself into?

“I take it you had no trouble figuring out how to use the kitchen?” It was the lamest thing in the universe to say, but he couldn’t seem to find any other words.

“Yes. I knew I could. You’ve got quite an assortment stockpiled. Making good meals for your crew for the next month shouldn’t be hard.”

“Month?”

“I can probably stretch it farther, but somehow, I don’t think that would be a very popular decision. I’ll try it if you need me to.”

“No. A month will be fine. Actually, I didn’t think it would last nearly that long.” She slipped into the seat across from him, and he couldn’t take his eyes from her. She mesmerized him.

When he continued to stare at her, she cleared her throat. “Um, are you going to eat? It’s not the best in the universe, but it’s filling.”

“Oh! I’m sorry,” he stammered as he stirred the contents of his plate around with his fork. Steam rose from the concoction consisting of meat, noodles, and some kind of sauce. Scooping up a forkful, he stuffed it into his mouth. The instant his lips closed around it, a burst of rich, meaty flavor exploded on his tongue.

His brain shut down. If ambrosia truly existed, this had to be it. A groan escaped him somehow, and he began to chew. Then he took bite after bite, eating like a starving man at a banquet table until he scraped the last bit of sauce from his plate. When he finally looked up at her, she was grinning like she was the happiest person in the world.

“I’ve always loved to see people eat like they really enjoyed it. I take it you approve?”

“Absolutely! Where did you learn to make such wonderful meals?”

“For the girls. They won’t eat if it’s not tasty. We got the things the men didn’t want. Most of the time it was either spoiled or just not fit to eat. I learned to improvise to keep everyone alive.”

The instant she responded, Damon regretted asking the question. Her eyes went from happy to haunted, and she paled visibly. Whatever she’d gone through at her previous home, it hadn’t been pleasant.

“You don’t have to worry about it now. You’re here. With me. You’ll never have to be hungry again.”

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