>"Since we're on things we're curious about, when are you going to get off
>your *aretta* and ask my cousin Celana out? Haven't you mourned long
>enough?"
>
> If Markus had been drinking something he would have spit it out. The
>look on his face was unmistakable...
>
> "Aahhhhh where did that come from?" he asked still in a little bit of
>shock.
>
She shrugged. "Seems like you could use some company. If anything, it'd
mellow you out a bit, stop being such a grouch."
>
> "Well, I do admit that she is a very beautiful woman, and would love to
>have a relationship other than a strictly professional one. However, I am
>not quite the kind of creature that she woudl be interested in. One who
>lies to fellow officers, strong arms long time friends, and betrays
>personal honor and perhaps even personal principle in a fools cause." he
>said looking very hard within himself. Lying to this Venasian would be
>pointless for him. After his intimate mental contact with her during his
>coma on the Stargazer.... She would have known of the deception.
Selara laughed sardonically. "Celana isn't as pristine as you think.
Remember, she *is* an ambassador, and a smart one. Politicians - especially
Venasian ones - have all kinds of things hidden behind those innocent
facades. And I've known Celana to put a fool's cause before public interest
more than once. I think, if anything, you two would at least keep each
other good company."
"Perhaps I will take you up on your suggestion and ask her to dinner...." the old
Italian replied.
{response}
Changing topics a bit, "I understand that you had a run in with another Gariabldi?
Mind if I ask what it was about?"
