"We have to pick it up at a saloon I’d rather not be caught dead in. But since you will be there to watch my back, we’ll have no trouble.”
“Then lead on, my dear. It’s off to adventure for Captain Juzee Softcenter and her accountant, Harold Hardpod.” #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera

“I’m afraid she is determined to misinterpret what she saw,” Juzee said, emitting a soft sigh once her indignant First Officer left the room.
“No matter,” Haree replied. “We understand each other, and that is what is important.”
#lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

The door opened smoothly, First Officer Sternbottom entered, and after one outraged look, exclaimed, “Captain!”
~~~~
Captain Softcenter’s efforts to convince her First Officer, that what Sternbottom had seen was merely an attempt at levity, fell on deaf ears.
#lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #humor

“Oh, I would love to see that,” Juzee exclaimed, grinning mischievously.
“Would you?”
Haree gaze was speculative, and he raised his eyebrows. Juzee emitted a giggling snort.
“Naked?” he asked.
“It’s traditional.”
#lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

“So, this is my new desk,” Haree said.
“Yes, but I can’t give you a rom until we transfer its data and reformat it.”
“I suppose I could try dancing on the desk,” he joked. “If my accounting skills don’t measure up, I might need a backup job.”
#lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

It buzzed again and then subsided. Two men lifted a wood desk and maneuvered it through the opening. They sat it in the position Juzee indicated and left the room. A crewman yanked the pole from the doorway, and then jumped back when the door tried to smack him. #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #humor

Both coughed in embarrassment and looked away. Her rom dinged. She answered and heard, “Captain, we’re outside your berth. We have the desk you ordered.”
“Good. You may enter.”
The door opened, sliding smoothly into the wall. #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

“But wouldn’t that add to the business costs?”
“Yes, well you see, they don’t just dance.”
Enlightenment hit Haree. He blushed. “Oh. They’re prostitutes.” A thought occurred. “Great Captain’s Spirit! Do they have dancing boys as well?”
“Yes.”
#lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

“I’ve noticed that. The entertainment companies on Octive rock have installed speakers in every room. They say piping in progressive music results in longer short-term room rentals.”
He gave her a puzzled frown. “Why would anyone rent a room for a short time?”
#lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #humor

Haree lowered his voice. “Please, don’t mention this to anyone, but I rather enjoy progressive music. It has a strange effect on the senses.”
“I’ve noticed that. The entertainment companies on Octive rock have installed speakers in every room." #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

“Right. It’s called the Great Mall of Silica. Hard Rock used to be called Second Time, but a company headquartered in the Pebbles purchased it and changed the name. It’s become a cultural hangout. A lot of artists and progressive musicians make their home on the rock.” #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod

"It’s got a shady reputation as a place where lots of illicit deals take place, but we took a contract to move a shipment of old gems from Hard Rock to Silica.”
“I’ve heard of Silica. They have a big market place.” #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod

He had asked and had been given permission to take a tour of her ship, The Bursting Button. At that moment the door slid open, remarkably fast, but as Haree was about to step over the threshold, it tried to close, causing Haree to smack his nose on it. #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera

She suspected that her First Officer was secretly in league with her sisters; probably reporting on her activities from time to time. Hah! She would show them. She knew she was a capable captain. She glanced at the door, wondering where Haree had gotten to. #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #shortstory

Seeing her First Officer standing in the doorway, Juzee asked, “Is something wrong, First?” She followed her officer’s gaze to the man tied to her bed. “It’s not what you think. We were just playing.” #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

“Captain.” The disapproving voice of First Officer Sternbottom caused her to sit up and turn, thereby giving Sternbottom a good view of Haree’s upper torso and his bound wrists. “Captain!” The officer’s tone changed from disapproving to shock. #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory

“It’s okay,” Haree hastened to say. “Truly, this is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. And honestly, I know you wouldn’t have got satisfaction in a Marlen court.”
“Well then,” she gave him a brilliant smile and settled back on her heels.
#lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera

“What did you mean when you asked if you were to be bound in this room? Did you think I was going to tie you to a chair or something?”
“No, I was asking if you intended to tie me to your bed.”
Juzee frowned. “The bed? Where would I sleep?”
“I don’t mean at night." #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod

“Good waking,” Haree said, rubbing sleep debris from his eyes.
“Good waking,” Juzee replied, feeling a little awkward.
Haree sat up and yawned.
“I was wondering about something,” Juzee said, trying for casual conversation. #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod #spaceopera #shortstory #humor

Captain Softcenter woke, feeling more rested than she had in a long time. Beside her, Haree stirred. She slid off the bed, searched in vain for her clothing, and then grabbed his long shirt. It covered her to mid-thigh. After using the viver, she returned to the bed. #lookinmybriefs #haroldhardpod