“Uggle mpt.”
Stunned, the captain stopped in his tracks and stared at the Legionnaire who a moment before had been verbally the height of confidence and wit. Head bowed and blushing, she was the same as she had been when he left the room.
“I … I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to shout,” he said carefully. “I just wanted to compliment you on your handling of Brandy’s call. “
Rose blushed and shrugged, but kept her eyes averted.
“Well, I guess I’ll follow your advice and get some sleep now. Oh. I told Tusk-anini he could do his reading up here. He’ll be up in a few minutes.”
That got him a nod, but no more. After a moment’s hesitation, he retreated through the connecting door into his bedroom.
Once within his sanctum, Phule leaned back against the now closed door and thought hard for several long minutes. Finally, with careful deliberation, he raised his hand and punched the proper key on his wrist communicator.
“This is the all-night voice of Com Central,” came the now familiar voice. “How may we help you decide what to do with the rest of your life?”
“Rose? Captain Jester here,” Phule said, sinking into a chair with a smile.
“Why you High-ranking Rascal. Didn’t you promise me you were going to go beddie-bye?”
“Truth to tell, Rosie, I just couldn’t doze off until I told you one more time how much I appreciate your golden tones brightening the airwaves.”
“Well, thank you, Captain. My lonely night here at Com Central is brightened considerably by your tribute.”
“And also,” Phule continued quickly, “I’ve just got to know why you’re so much different than when we meet face-to-face.”