Paris shook her head, then puffed an errant lock of dark auburn

hair out

of her eyes as she placed a platter of fresh, steaming cinnamon

rolls on

the table next to the pot of coffee. Smoothing the shortie robe

her, she took a seat opposite Merinn and said, "That I

don't know, the

Captain didn't mention it to me, but I would think sometime this afternoon."

She gave a smile. "Depends on when we can also get flight clearance for a surface-to-surface jump."

"The sooner we leave this place, the better," Merinn sighed as she snagged a cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee. She sat down and began nibbling at the roll and sipping her coffee. "How was our noble guest last night?"

Paris shook her head in amusement. "He was himself, drinking into a stupor and..."

She loosened the top of her robe, exposing cleavage, which she examined critically. Resecuring the robe, the steward said, "No noticable damage, so I assume he didn't grab anythng he shouldn't." She winked at Merinn. "I agree, I've grown to be happier in space than on the ground..."

Leaning across the table, Paris placed one hand gently on the back of Merinn's hand. "That's not what you were talkng about--what happened last night?"