Lieutenant Lee Mallory spends his time off duty playing video games. There isn't much else to do while stationed on the USS Nova out in deep space. Unfortunately, a run in with his commanding officer, Jonan Thomas, strips him -- and everyone else onboard -- of their gaming privileges. Thomas has had it in for Lee from day one, when they got off on the wrong foot. Now, banned from using the game server in the rec room, Lee sneaks online in his quarters after hours, looking to play. That's where he meets a fellow gamer onboard who's interested in a different kind of game. As much as Lee wants to hook up, though, he can't afford to get into any more trouble. Can Lee take command -- in the game and in the bedroom -- without further aggravating his CO?

Commanding Officer Thomas

He gives the bathroom one last look over and thinks it’ll do. Hell, it isn’t like his CO is going to show up for a surprise inspection tonight or anything. And this Joe guy knows what it’s like; he’s another spacer, same as Lee. They aren’t moving in together, jeez. Why go to all this trouble just to get laid?


Before he can think of an answer, there’s a knock on his hatch.


“Okay,” Lee says, drawing in a breath as he checks himself in the mirror. The front of his sweats tents with eagerness. “Cool, cool. Act cool.”


Whoever’s outside knocks again, a little louder this time.


As Lee breathes out, he feels his whole body relax. He’s got this. So it’s been awhile since he’s hooked up with someone. So what? It isn’t like he forgot how to have sex or anything. And he gets the impression Joe isn’t one for much talk, so he shouldn’t have to impress the guy too much. Hell, once he gets a look up close at what Lee’s packing, he won’t want to waste time chatting.


Chapter 10