Chapter 22

• The standard "morning after" remedy had not changed much in nearly a millennium. I was usually grumpy in the morning but it was hard to grouch at Tryxie's sweet velour face and big dark eyes. I drank down the proffered cure and petted her head to show my appreciation for her thoughtfulness.
• When I staggered into the head, I was taken by surprise. The shower, toilet,t, and sink had been scrubbed sparkling clean. The usual clutter on the countertop was cleaned and arraigned neatly to one side and a fresh suit had been set out for me. Without Jenifer around to nag me about keeping it clean, I hadn't touched anything since she left except to make things messier. It was clear that Tryxie was turning out to be more than just a pet.
• Now that I had this little companion, I thought I would swing by the station's commissary and pick up some groceries. Since I had been alone, I hadn't felt like zapping anything for myself so I'd been eating in the ship's mess. Even though I hadn't looked lately, I was sure the stores I had on hand had gone bad.