Page 15 of Subchief Flander

He ordered food for them. They brought her wine, whiskey for him, and an appetizer. It was something that hadn't happened to her since she was young. Her parents often took them out when they were younger, and money was available.Mom had always said she wanted them to understand things like that and not have to learn it when they went out on dates. They'd even attended concerts and other events when they were off world. Hel had to admit they'd had a great childhood until their planet had been attacked.

She worried about what her sister's children would face in this new world. Hel Understood why Kasey wanted to reclaim Purgatory even if she had to make a deal with the devil. Everyone knew that the current emperor was the devil. He was the most hated emperor of all time.

“What are you thinking about?” Flander asked.

“Nothing important.”

“Looks pretty important to me.”

“I'm thinking about the past and what's going to happen to the planet in the future," Hel admitted.

“Since the planet was your home, I guess it's hard to turn that off.”

“It is, and I worry about this deal to try to make the planet safe.”

“I don't know much about it. Maybe I'm not meant to know much. It seems that anything they can return your planet back to something like it would be worth it," Flander suggested.

Maybe he was right, but she couldn't help but think it wasn't that easy. They were inviting the devil in and trusting that he would do as he said. In all the stories, when had the devil ever kept his word?

“Maybe you're right, but this isn't the time. We're supposed to be relaxing and enjoying a nice meal. Speaking of which, what is the special tonight?” Hel asked.

“It's something called fettuccine Alfredo, served with chicken. It's an ancient earth dish that is said to be delicious.”

“It's funny how many things the empire has adopted from Earth."

“You know why?” Flander asked.

“No, I'm aware that there are some Earth genes in most families in the empire, but is that enough reason to adopt so many Earth recipes?

“Yes, because Earth has been part of the empire, and I believe it was in some way before it disappeared. Humans are completely compatible with Majuri.”

“I've heard it say they are a slightly weaker, smaller form of Majuri," Hel admitted.

“I've heard that said as well, but you forgot the part about Majuri living longer and being smarter.”

“Yes, I should have remembered that since I've heard it often enough.”

“You need to learn to laugh it off, or other warriors will give you more grief," Flander advised.

“I know, but they were like a pack of wolves if they sense the slightest weakness.”

It was true, and they made it very difficult for her to be a weak human. She managed to ignore them most of the time, though there were a few she considered bullies. Those weren't attractive under any circumstances or in any race. That just went to show that there were those who were unattractive in every race.

“It’s okay. Your squad supports you no matter what.”

Hel nodded. She knew that was true, and she supported them. A waiter approached with a cart, and their food was served. It smelled wonderful, and the waiter set their food in front of them. Hel gave her food some attention. She had to admit it was great.

“What made you decide on this dish?”

“Kasey recommended it. She thought you would enjoy it.”

Damn! Her sister always seemed to know every move she would make and who it was with. It would be nice for once to get something by her. That certainly wasn't going to happen tonight. She was sure Kasey would hunt her down soon and try to find out what had happened. Hel put it out of her mind and tried to concentrate on this wonderful experience. Flander looked so sexy sitting across from her. The food was good, the wine was sweet, and the background music played soft and low. She could have imagined this when she first met him had he shown any interest. It was impossible to deny that she still liked it.

As soon as they finished dessert, Flander suggested they leave, and he escorted her back to her room. “I'm not ready to leave you yet. Will you ask me in for a drink?”

She nodded, and he followed her into her quarters. Like most officers, Hel had a kitchenette. On the cabinet, there was a bottle of wine and a bottle of expensive whiskey.

“Where did you get this?” Flander pointed to the whiskey.

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