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phobia of heartache.
    But what to do about him? Unless she forbid him to look at or speak to her, which would cause all sorts of technical problems apart from making her look ridiculous, there was no way to completely avoid him. Or the effect he had on her. The only viable options open to her were starkly clear to Adri's sleep deprived mind. One, she could shoot him and totally eradicate the problem. Two, she could stand her ground and maintain a strong officer-subordinate position that allowed no sort of casual camaraderie. Neither option was enticing.
    â€œWell L.C., I've finished jury-rigging the north shield, so it ought to stand up just as strong as the other three, at least for the time being.” Duane announced as he sauntered towards her. His big eyes were bloodshot, making the white blend disturbingly with his bright face.
    Adri frowned, shaking herself out of her thoughts. “Hmm.”
    â€œYou must have been off on another planet. I called your name a couple times and you didn't even notice.” Duane eyed her half finished coffee with wistful longing. “You gonna finish that?”
    Adri gave a soft huff and drained her coffee cup. “How did the shield analysis go?”
    â€œEnduring,” Duane gave a longsuffering sigh. “Do you want the long or short of it before we both go to catch twenty five minutes of sleep?” he smiled appreciatively when Adri tossed him a candy bar that she'd taken from the captain's stash.
    Here, at least, Adri felt calm and in control. Whatever her problems (real or imagined) with Field Lieutenant Grayson, it would not affect her responsibilities. “Better have the long of it, in case I get called in and need to give the captain excessive information for the health and safety of the platoon.”
    As he exited Captain Heedman's quarters – several standards above those he and Lieutenant Commander Rael inhabited - Gray wondered just what sort of political connections had allowed such a spineless man a position of authority. The luncheon had been enlightening, showing him that the real brains behind the success of this division was certainly not the esteemed captain. Staggering a bit, since Gray was never one to take a large meal after a sleepless night well, he decided to report to his lieutenant commander, get a good dose Adri out of her combat suit, and go to bed.
    Adri wasn't in the officer's quarters, but Gray wasn't too surprised. More than likely, she was in the makeshift command center, making sure the camp was secure for the day. He expected no less from her.
    She sure was a pretty sight, Gray thought. While the rest of the communication crew scrambled around reading monitors or rerouting power couplings, Adri sat on one of the control panels, a holoboard in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Oblivious to the noise around her, she sipped from her cup and reviewed the information on the board, occasionally frowning and murmuring to herself.
    Gray wove his way through the crowded room until he reached her side. Adri was so absorbed in the information on the holoboard that she was startled when Gray spoke. “Field Lieutenant Grayson reporting, ma'am,”
    â€œOh, good,” Adri stared at him, choices swimming in her mind.
    â€œCaptain Heedman sends his compliments for a job well done, although – and I quote – ‘the girl could have done the whole thing a bit quicker, couldn't she?’ After reviewing the series of events, however, he acknowledged that you proceeded with all considerable haste.”
    Adri's lips twitched. It would be hard to shoot a guy who could pull off an excellent mimic of Heedman's voice, and had obviously learned how to steer the captain into a different frame of mind after only meeting the man twice. She would have to stay a bit distant from him, if she wanted to be safe. Still, it would be…impolite to be cold to him after their first successful mission together. “The meal