Alice understanding the captain’s silent query spoke loudly.

“Ah Antarian nectar more potent than champagne from that planet in the East we visited Princess but then none can compare to the fruit of home.”  She took a glass for herself.  “The only problem is that it lowers sexual inhibitions which is not a problem as our Princess has already chosen a consort.” 

“Dr. Pieaseki” Katrina cut in.  “You forget that the Royal Consort has been challenged by Commander Henry and if he succeeds in safely transporting the Princess he may have the honor of her hand.”

“I sincerely doubt that there is any challenge that Captain Porter cannot meet for her lady.”  Alice smirked.  She had sampled the beverage in question earlier and was under its effects.  If Porter wanted the Princess or even Commander Kennard she doubted anyone could stand in her way. 

Alice had her eye on Fairbanks and had stashed a bottle in their quarters to offer the brunette a nightcap.  While she had shared quarters with Ensign Williams who was as laced as they come on Allegra on the Royal Vessel she shared quarters with Fairbanks who was looking tastier by the moment. 

The music was pleasing and the appetizers plentiful the mood was festive and it would be easy to lower one’s guard Bette noted keeping Christina within touching distance.  Christina seemed to have a mission of her own however.  She shamelessly caressed Bette driving her crazy because she was not free in this role to respond as she wished.

The thought suddenly hit her.  This is how it was for Christina all the time.  The private moments they had shared took on even greater meaning.  Christina gave herself freely as they mated the price of maintaining the control that she did on a daily basis high.  Still if Christina did not stop running her fingers up the inside of her arm she was not going to make it.  Never would she have thought that she would wish for Christina to exercise Vulcan control and keep her hands off of her. 

Finally it was time for the meal.  Bette was seated at her right and Commander Henry directly across from her the real Princess sat between Commander Henry and Captain Port.  This would give her the opportunity to get to know the two men who in all likelihood would be her consort once they reached Antares.  The Director sat beside Bette and Alice next to her. 

The real Princess had put green lenses in her eyes and wore a festive head-scarf that hid her pointed ears.  Even with this measure of disguise Commander Henry asked about her relationship to the Princess with whom he noted she shared a strong resemblance. 

“Did you enjoy your time before dinner with the Lady Christina?” Christina asked looking at Elizabeth. 

“Who?” Bette was lost.  Who was the Lady Christina?

Katrina again came to her rescue. “I fear that the Royal Consort was so undone at being rebuffed at her repeated attempts to gain entry to your Royal Chambers that she forgot the appointment you made for her to get to know your distant cousin better.”

“Is that so?”  Henry brightened at this disclosure. 

“I was not aware that you wanted to see me.”  Christina replied looking at Elizabeth closely.  Christina had assumed that Elizabeth needed the distance between them that she did this afternoon.

“Since you have not before chosen to occupy your own Chambers since our pledging I forgot that I can only access your Chambers at your request.”  Bette responded giving her this piece of information for the future. 

“I see that I should have made it clear that for you Chosen Consort permission is always granted.”  She covered Elizabeth’s hand with her own. 

The world between the two erupted in flame.