The Last Stand - Brad Ferguson [72]
“We’re pledged,” Lettana said, taking Bitt’s hand. She smiled. “We’re to be mated soon.”
“Congratulations.” Troi beamed. “That’s wonderful.” She took Riker’s hand and looked very sincere. “I hope you and Bitt will always be as happy as Dex and I are now.”
“Thank you,” Bitt said uncomfortably.
“We decided we wanted to work in the same gang, too,” Lettana added. “You know what they say: ‘The couple that maintains together remains together.’”
“How very true,” Riker commented.
“That’s what I always say,” slurred Wiggin.
“We wanted to be together as much as possible,” Lettana said. “That’s why I transferred from my duty station on the starboard side.” She smiled at Bitt, who responded with a self-conscious, sheepish sort of grin.
“That’s nice,” Troi said, smiling. “Just the kind of story that puts you in the mood for a day like today. It is a great day, isn’t it?”
“Sure is,” Lettana said brightly. “A great day! Posting Days usually are, of course—and it’s been a long time since the last one.” She patted Bitt’s hand. “I hope we’ll be as fortunate as Agrell and Twesla are, when our turn comes.”
“How long do you think it’ll take them to catch?” Bitt wondered.
“Not long, I bet,” Nozz said. “I mean, just look at ‘em. They probably can’t wait for the party to be over so they can get started.” He laughed. “Two months, tops. I’ll put five work credits on it.”
“There you guys go again,” Sharra complained. “I swear you two have waste tubes for brains. Can’t you ever behave?”
“Who? Us?” grinned Nozz. “When a lucky couple gets a fleet permit to breed, how and when they go about it is a fit subject for public speculation.”
Ah, thought Riker. He glanced at Troi, who nodded.
“And private profit, too,” Bitt said.
Lettana blinked. “Private profit? Are you guys betting on Agrell and Twesla? Our friends? I’m ashamed of you both.”
“Good for you, Let,” Sharra said approvingly.
“Thanks, Shar,” Lettana said. “You know, you boys should have let us in on it from the beginning. Is there a pool yet? I’ve got seven work credits that say it’ll take them six months.”
“Oh, Let!” Sharra said, frowning. “Not you, too! Well, at least you and Bitt-for-brains over there are compatible.”
Lettana ignored her. “I hear Agrell is working lots of extra watches, some of them on outside maintenance. Let’s face it. Walking the hull every watch doesn’t do much for your fertility.”
“Hey, that’s good information,” Nozz said. “Thanks, Shar. Bitt, I hereby retract my wager.”
Bitt looked properly regretful. “Can’t let you do that, shipmate. Wouldn’t be quite ethical.”
“Ethics,” complained Nozz. “Phooey.”
“Uh, guys,” Sharra began. “I don’t quite think—” She gave a sidelong glance at Riker and Troi.
“Don’t mind us,” Riker said quickly.
Bitt frowned. “Actually, Supervisor—I mean, Dex—under fleet regulations, wagering is pretty high on the list of unauthorized financial transactions. We really shouldn’t be—”
“Put me down for ten work credits on one month,” Riker interrupted, a glint in his eye. “Agrell doesn’t look like the type who’d let a few stray wavicles bother him any.”
“My,” Troi said mildly. “Relative of yours?”
The five young people erupted in loud laughter. “Oh, you’re bad, Pralla,” Wiggin said, wagging a finger.
“Why is Agrell going outside?” Sharra asked, puzzled. “His station doesn’t require it.”
“He’s pulling extra duty,” Lettana explained. “Hazard pay. It’s voluntary on his part, of course. He’s trying to finance a private module aboard the Upper Nation.”
Nozz whistled, his eyes wide. “I didn’t know that. Their own mod? At their age?”
“That kind of thing is a pretty expensive proposition for a young couple,” Riker said knowingly.
“Tell me about it,” Bitt shrugged. “Well, Agrell’s connected. You know. He might just be able to pull it off soon. Hull, he and Twesla made the breeding list on the first try.” The Krann shook his head. “Nice to be born in high orbit instead of having to boost yourself there, if you know what I mean.”
Lettana looked a little sad. “A private module would be a nice