When last we left the daring Commander, he had just
retrieved Lt. Scott from deep space and made amends with Mr. Jeffy, a.k.a. Number
Seven...
The USS Escort had just slipped the clutches of Wyzenhymer space-space when Number
Two stepped onto the bridge. Everyone turned from their tasks to welcome him
back to his duties, everyone except Sgt. Stauch.
His attention remained on Mr. Schultz, who seemed uncomfortably aware of his cool
gaze. Schultz met his gaze for a moment, then strode purposefully toward him
until he and the Sergeant were face to face.
"I realize that humans don't consider Hucksters to be a particularly robust race",
he began in a low voice, "but do not confuse my lack of hair and sickly, paleness
with an infirmity most commonly found among your own people."
Stauch stared at him confused, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I'm not gay" Schultz hissed, barely containing his anger.
"Neither am I", Stauch exclaimed, "I'm just watching your back!"
"Well you can just put the 'oogle-cam' away, sailor boy, cause I'm not interested!"
Schultz stormed away, exiting the bridge, leaving the confused Sergeant in his wake.
By now the crew's attention had been diverted from the return of Lt. Scott, to the
heated conversation that had so recently ended.
Stauch looked around uncomfortably, all eyes on him. "It's not the way
it sounded...", he stammered, "I like girls...human girls."
Commander Reed strode forward patting the young Sergeant on the shoulder.
"You don't have to explain to me, son", Reed said calmly, his eyes distant,
"Space can be a lonely place."
"Back to work, everybody", Reed commanded. "We still have a lot
of space to cover today."
The crew immediately returned to their stations as one. Reed went to the command
console and, in Mr. Schultz's absence, had Lt. Scott set the new course. While
the rest of the crew idled away at their random tasks, Reed spoke quietly to Stauch.
"I admire your efforts in attempting to get through Mr. Schultz's defenses",he
paused, "but Huckster's are a very conservative race, and Mr. Schultz is no different."
"But...but...", Stauch sputtered.
"Yes, your best course of action will be a swift and brutal one. And if
all goes well, Mr. Stauch", Reed continued, smiling, "perhaps a promotion
will be in order."
