PHILEANA ABOARD THE OMAHA

by; Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Phileana looked at the bemused Larkington and smiled slightly. 'Well, this is a nice turn of events' she thought to herself, 'The Captain seems to be enamored with me'. She followed him out the door, pausing just long enough to give Rat a smile & a wink.

Along the tour she carefully memorized where everything was in relation to the ship as a whole. Its shape, function, location, and so forth. Several past emergencies had taught her the prudence of such actions.

"So, what do you think of my ship" Larkington asked, snapping Phileana out of her thoughts. She looked up into his eyes, making sure to show him an inviting, yet restrained smile. "She's lovely, I haven't served in this class of ship before. Nor have I visited the Furredaltion in a long time. Of course, as you must know from your Doctor we androids tend to have long life spans." She grinned, "If its not prying, may I ask what the OMAHA's mission is?"

"That will have to wait until I decide wither you will remain on this ship." he answered. "Now, Dr. Rat says she can use you in Sickbay. What are your qualifications?"

Phileana groaned inside, 'He would have to ask' she thought. Bracing herself she looked into his eyes, trying to make hers appear as deep liquid pools. "Well" she started. "I served as a nurse on the RETRIBUTION for several months, and on the planet KARLLIAR as a GP during my stay. Other than that I have to admit that I have no formal training, just book studies."

Larkington pulled himself away from her captive gaze with some difficulty. "Uh, the RETRIBUTION" he mummered, a S.P.A.C.E. ship". Slowly he looked back into her eyes, steeling himself for her trap.

"Isn't KARLLIAR a Slaver planet?" he asked.

Phileana allowed herself to blush. "Y-yes Sir" she stammered, "I spent twelve years in a collar before I managed to escape. I was in Lord Kelreal's harem." She turned away as if embarrassed, mumbling

the rest of her answer. "He found me...... interesting."

Larkington stepped back, holding his rage inside. "Very well" he decided, "You may remain aboard the OMAHA until this information is checked out. Confine yourself to Sickbay until you hear from me personally, understand?"

Phileana turned back to him, showing a radiant smile. "Oh yes sir, I will sir, thank you sir" she answered. She managed a curtsey then watched as Larkington turned and stomped away. As the turbolift doors closed she broke into giggles and ran to Sickbay. 'Men' she thought, 'they're so easy to guide when you need to.'