Joph’rena stepped out of the room. She nodded to the guards posted at the door to get Michael out of there. She strode from the common room over to a restroom.
I’ve got to get his stench off of me, she thought as she washed her arms up to her elbows at the sink.
Knowing he was gone, she returned to the common room. Pennar’dun walked in from the opposite side of the common room. They looked relaxed but professional. She gave Joph’rena a smile.
“Are you ready to do this?” Joph’rena asked, returning the smile.
“Sure!” Pennar’dun braced herself with a deep breath, opened the door and entered the interrogation room. Joph’rena followed.
Joph’rena walked up to the glass on the wall. She pressed a finger on it for just a moment. A menu revealed itself. She looked to make sure the last session was recorded before giving Pennar’dun a look.
Pennar’dun nodded in acknowledgment.
Joph’rena pressed the record button again. The menu disappeared again a few moments later, making the smooth surface return to looking like a mirror.
Before she sat down, Joph’rena grabbed a towel to wipe down a few drops left from where this side of the table had been hosed down. She quietly chuckled to herself before settling down at her seat. She looked at Pennar’dun then the mirror then began in earnest.
“What happened last night?”
Pennar’dun quickly quipped, “You were there.”
A quick look to the mirror was followed by a clarification, “No. After I went to bed.”
Pennar’dun tapped her fingers from pinkie to pointer on the table. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Did you rape him?” Joph’rena’s eyes took a serious veneer.
“No.”
Joph’rena’s shoulders relaxed. “Well, it’s a very serious accusation. Because it’s been made, you are to review the Human Relations Protocol and have clean up duty for the next week.”
Though visibly disappointed, Pennar’dun accepted the terms. “Yes ma’am.”
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Joph’rena gave a dismissive nod. They both got up and Pennar’dun started toward the door. Joph’rena touched the mirror and closed the recording.
Pennar’dun stopped where she stood and did an about face. She returned to the table, turning the chair around and swung her leg over the back to sit down. She settled her arms in a cross in front of her and leaned in comfortably.
Joph’rena slapped the table jovially and asked again, “What happened last night?”
Pennar’dun replied with similar jocularity, “Shit, Bitch, you were there!”
Joph’rena grinned as she shook her head, “We were sloshed. What happened with you and Serca?—rest her soul.”
“Girl, I don’t know what he did to her, but he put his hand between her legs and the next thing I know, I heard this splatter against the wall when she came.”
“With his hand?” Joph’rena glared. “Did you clean that shit up?”
“After the dust settled and I found out she got killed, I cleaned out all her side of the barracks.” Pennar’dun paused for a moment, “I know I don’t get a vote in this, but please don’t put a Rakiri in with me. You know I’m allergic to their dander.”
“I’ll see if I can get you a Helkan.” She smiled slyly and thumbed her tusk, “You cold blooded slut. I know you got more than his hand.”
“You know it.” Pennar’dun smirked mischievously, “Did he really call it ‘rape’?”
“He did. Thought that would have some sway with us.” She mockingly clutched her pearls.
“Can’t hardly call it sex when he didn’t last as long as I did.” Pennar’dun scoffed, “I thought this was supposed to be the ‘sex alien’ planet. If he’s an indication for the rest of the males here, I’ve wasted my time.”
“Fuck you, you got something out of it.” Joph’rena rebutted, “Even if it was short lived.
“That said, if he makes a fuss with the Human authorities, do you have your [alien ducks] in a row?”
Pennar’dun held out her hand and stuck out a finger for every item she listed aloud:
“He was out for a fun night out.
“He came to our table.
“He was asking for it.”
Joph’rena smiled and nodded approvingly. She leaned in a bit for the next question, “What’s up with the ‘Gwen’ thing?”
Her head swiveled and came to a grinning stop.
“I don’t know, he called me that a couple of times but he was so drunk I didn’t care what he said, I just knew I was gonna get into his pants.”
Joph’rena mused, “Pennar’dun. Penn…” She cocked her head to the side, “…Penn, Gwen..?” She shrugged in half acceptance, “Isn’t there an Earth bird named that?
Pennar’dun grabbed the back of the chair and straightened her back to exclaim, “You said it, I’m a stone cold bird!”
Uproarious laughter filled the room.