A Magic Beyond - Karri Justina Shea

“No,” said Taz.

“No choice!” sang February. “It’s been mandated by the Commander. A special celebration of all of the fabulous women aboard this starship. No boys allowed. Just popcorn, chick flicks, gossip, makeovers – it’s going to be so much fun!”

“I don’t like any of those things,” said Taz. “And who’s idiota idea was this?”

“Mine!” February said proudly. “I told the Commander it would be a great morale booster!”

“I am going to kill Up,” said Taz.

“There’ll be tequila…”

Taz sighed, and February knew she had won.

***

“Truth,” said February.

Taz and Specs eyed each other. “What’s it like to kiss a bug?” Taz said finally, and they both collapsed with laughter.

February looked thoughtful. “Kind of… dry,” she said. “And clicky.”

“Clicky,” repeated Specs.

“Well, you know, the mandibles,” February said defensively. Taz laughed harder. “Fine, it’s your turn,” said February. “What’s it like to kiss a man with a moustache?”

Taz sobered immediately. “I have no idea,” she said airily.

February and Specs crossed their arms. Taz crossed hers back.

“For Lieutenant Taz to know what it is like to have kissed a man with a moustache, it would be reasonable to assume that she would know what it is like to kiss Commander Up,” said Megagirl helpfully, breaking popcorn into pieces and dropping them back into the bowl. “As he is the only male on this ship who has such distinctive facial hair.”

Specs smirked. Taz became intent upon her own popcorn. “He doesn’t always have a moustache,” she mumbled.

“Sorry, what was that?” February said.

Taz was saved by a buzz at the door. Specs looked around. “I thought you said no boys were allowed,” she said.

“Well…” said February. “This one’s an exception. Here by my special invitation.”

The door burst open.

“Hold your applause, please, ladies,” a familiar voice announced. “Your salvation has arrived.”

A look of horror crossed Taz’s face.

***

The women of Starship 15A-2 were unrecognizable by the time Alejandro was done with them, even Megagirl, whose sensory strands had been styled into an elaborate updo (which she complained was affecting her systems, but admitted had a pleased aesthetic effect). He also brought with him all the gossip from the galaxy- the latest Galactic Ball, who ex-Mrs. Dr. Space-Claw was dating now…

“And you?” February said coyly. “Been seeing anyone special lately?”

“Oh well,” Alejandro said, grabbing a handful of Taz’s popcorn. “There might be someone.”

February let out an ear-piercing scream. “Who?”

“Let’s just say he’s in my line of work,” Alejandro said lightly, though a hint of red had come to his ears. “Really exemplary work, though of course he could learn to be even better from me.”

A knock at the door caused them all to turn around. “Who else did you invite?” said Taz.

“No one,” said February.

The knock came again.

***

To be continued…