Jorges waited for her in the mess. He held a cup of tea, but his tight posture betrayed his tension.

Cal fetched herself a cup, then sat down across from him.

"You learn anything from your punishment duty?" She gave him a stern look.

"Yes Ma'am." Jorges hung his head and twisted the still full cup in his hand. "I found a tea room. Can't get drunk on tea, Ma'am, and the people don't laugh at me, much."

"Never mind, it's better than them beating on you." Cal picked up ...